If you like this, try…
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.
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.
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 keeping that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too floral or soapy.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Roditis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Cortese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Seyval Blanc
Seyval Blanc scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
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.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Trebbiano Toscano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Colombard
Colombard scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
California traditional-method sparkling
California traditional-method sparkling scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Soave Classico
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Greco di Tufo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Douro white
Douro white scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Cortese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malagousia
Malagousia scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Riesling
Alsace Riesling scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
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.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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.
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.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
German dry Riesling (trocken) scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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.