If you like this, try…
Wines like Spätlese
"Late harvest" — the second Prädikat level. Riper grapes than Kabinett, but not necessarily a sweeter wine. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Spätlese?
Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.
What these words mean
- The tropical fruit
- Passionfruit, mango, pineapple, guava. It comes from riper fruit and warmer sites, and it is the difference between Marlborough and Sancerre in the same grape.
- The citrus and orchard fruit
- Lemon, lime, green apple, pear. The signature of a cool-climate white — quieter and less perfumed than tropical fruit, and a different thing from the acidity it usually travels with.
- That it is not too strong
- Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
- How fresh and crisp it is
- Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- The touch of sweetness
- Actual sugar left in the wine, which is a different thing from tasting fruity. A wine can smell of ripe peach and be completely dry.
Looking for something keeping the floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too floral or soapy and too sharp or lemony.
- You said you like the floral, perfumed side and that it is too floral or soapy. Both are about floral character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
Based on what you said
Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less sharp or lemony.
Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Solaris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less sharp or lemony.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less sharp or lemony.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Solaris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Change the structure
Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.
Similar but lighter
Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.
Mosel Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Kabinett
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but lower in alcohol
Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.
Mosel Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Kabinett
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Spätlese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more floral.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Spätlese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Spätlese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Spätlese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more floral.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Sekt
Both are made from riesling, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Falanghina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Beerenauslese
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Trockenbeerenauslese
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Canadian Icewine
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Auslese
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more floral.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Spätlese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Spätlese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Spätlese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Rheinhessen Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more savoury.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more savoury.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, somewhere else
Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Alsace Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Austrian Riesling
Both are made from riesling.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Mosel Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Kabinett
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Pfalz Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Rheinhessen Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Austrian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher.
Change the mood
Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.
A safe next step
Well-known wines that are widely available and unlikely to surprise anyone.
Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
Mosel Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Solaris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
A better-value alternative
Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Solaris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Spätlese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Spätlese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Spätlese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.