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Wines like Arneis

Piedmont’s leading white variety, producing soft, pear-and-almond-scented dry wines in Roero. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Arneis

Refine

What do you like about Arneis?

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…

That it is not oaky That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too light or thin too alcoholic or warming too buttery or thick too plain or too simple too floral or soapy too austere

Clear all

What these words mean

How light it is: A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
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.
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.
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.
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 light or thin, too alcoholic or warming and too buttery or thick.

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.

Sercial

Sercial scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

A little less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less buttery or thick.

Bual

Bual scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
More buttery or thick, not less.

Fiano

Both come from the same country.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
More buttery or thick, not less.

Fiano di Avellino

Both come from the same country.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
More buttery or thick, not less.

Soave Classico

Both come from the same country.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
More buttery or thick, not less.

Friuli white

Both come from the same country.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
More buttery or thick, not less.

Douro white

Douro white scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
More buttery or thick, not less.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Sercial

Sercial scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Bual

Bual scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Fiano

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Sercial

Sercial scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Bual

Bual scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Fiano

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

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.

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.

Sercial

Sercial scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Fiano

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Fiano di Avellino

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Soave Classico

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Bual

Bual scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Fiano

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Bual

Bual scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Fiano

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Fiano di Avellino

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Kisi

Kisi scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Friuli white

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Malvasia

Malvasia scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Fiano

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Fiano di Avellino

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Soave Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Similar but softer

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

Pedro Ximénez

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Grenache Blanc

Grenache Blanc scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Muscat of Alexandria

Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

The sparkling version

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

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

Both come from the same country.

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

Cava

Cava scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Crémant

Crémant scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

English sparkling wine

English sparkling wine scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Madeira

Madeira scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Marsala

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Bual

Bual scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

White Port

White Port scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Friuli white

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Australian Chardonnay

Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Chilean Chardonnay

Chilean Chardonnay scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Torrontés

Torrontés scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Alsace Riesling

Alsace Riesling scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Malagousia

Malagousia scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Muscat of Alexandria

Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more restrained

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

Palomino Fino

Palomino Fino scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

Both come from the same country.

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Both come from the same country.

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

Pinot Blanc

Pinot Blanc scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Torrontés

Torrontés scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Alsace Riesling

Alsace Riesling scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Condrieu

Condrieu scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Viognier

Viognier scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Sercial

Sercial scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Bual

Bual scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Soave Classico

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Similar but more savoury

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

Sercial

Sercial scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Savennières

Savennières scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Vin Jaune

Vin Jaune scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Friuli white

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Similar but fruitier

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

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Petit Manseng

Petit Manseng scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Torrontés

Torrontés scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Malvasia

Malvasia scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Roero Arneis

Both are made from arneis, and both come from the same country.

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

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.

Australian Chardonnay

Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

South African Chenin Blanc

South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Something more adventurous

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

Sercial

Sercial scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Bual

Bual scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Fiano

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

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.

Sercial

Sercial scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Bual

Bual scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Fiano

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

A step up

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

Australian Chardonnay

Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

South African Chenin Blanc

South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

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.