If you like this, try…

Wines like White Burgundy

Barrel-fermented Chardonnay from the Côte de Beaune and Mâconnais — the model every serious oaked Chardonnay in the world is measured against. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to White Burgundy

Refine

What do you like about White Burgundy?

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.

I like…

How full and weighty it is The creamy, rounded texture The savoury, meaty side That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too heavy too buttery or thick too oaky or woody too peppery too savoury or funky too austere

Clear all

What these words mean

How full and weighty it is: Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
The creamy, rounded texture: A soft, almost dairy-like roundness. In white wine it usually comes from malolactic fermentation or from time on the lees, not from the grape.
The vanilla and oak: Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
The spice: Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
The savoury, meaty side: Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
That it is properly dry: No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.

Looking for something moving away from too peppery, too heavy and too austere.

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.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less austere.

Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less austere.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less austere.

Albana

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less austere.

Welschriesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less austere.

Muscadelle

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less austere.

Hárslevelű

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less austere.

Scheurebe

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less austere.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.

Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.

Albana

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.

Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.

Albana

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

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.

Aidani

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Albana

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Finger Lakes Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

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.

Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Spätlese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.

Finger Lakes Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to White Burgundy across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.

Condrieu

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Viognier

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and leaner and more cutting.

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.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.

Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Hárslevelű

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Albana

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Rkatsiteli

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Finger Lakes Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Spätlese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.

California Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Auxerrois

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

California traditional-method sparkling

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Champagne

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Crémant

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

English sparkling wine

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Aidani

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Albana

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Finger Lakes Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but less oaky

One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.

Aidani

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Albana

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Finger Lakes Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Hárslevelű

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Hárslevelű

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Muscadelle

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Ortega

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Trebbiano Toscano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Seyval Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Aidani

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Finger Lakes Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Hárslevelű

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Muscadelle

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Santorini Assyrtiko

Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to White Burgundy across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Vin Jaune

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Hárslevelű

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Muscadelle

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Ortega

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

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.

English still white

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Soave

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Australian Chardonnay

curated

Modern Australian Chardonnay was deliberately reset towards this model and now gets remarkably close.

Expect: A touch more citrus and a leaner finish, at much lower prices.

California Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

English still white

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Chablis

curated

The same grape and region without the barrel influence.

Expect: No vanilla or butter at all — citrus, green apple and a saline finish.

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Champagne

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

California Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.

Australian Chardonnay

curated

Modern Australian Chardonnay was deliberately reset towards this model and now gets remarkably close.

Expect: A touch more citrus and a leaner finish, at much lower prices.

New Zealand Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

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.

Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.

Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Chablis

curated

The same grape and region without the barrel influence.

Expect: No vanilla or butter at all — citrus, green apple and a saline finish.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.

Albana

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Welschriesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

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.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.

Albana

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Welschriesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Santorini Assyrtiko

Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to White Burgundy across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Chablis

curated

The same grape and region without the barrel influence.

Expect: No vanilla or butter at all — citrus, green apple and a saline finish.

Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

How these are chosen

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.