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.

← 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 keeping that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too plain or too simple, too austere and too alcoholic or warming.

You said you like that the fruit is not covered in oak and that it is too plain or too simple. Both are about oak influence, 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.

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Sémillon

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less austere.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Chenin Blanc

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less austere.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less austere.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Garganega

curated

Both are gentle, almond-inflected northern Italian whites.

Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less austere.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Petite Arvine

Petite Arvine scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sémillon

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

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

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sémillon

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

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

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

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.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

Both come from the same country.

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

Aidani

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

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

Trebbiano Toscano

Both come from the same country.

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

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

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

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 Toscano

Both come from the same country.

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

Riesling

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

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

Spätlese

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

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

Trebbiano Romagnolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Alsace Pinot Gris

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

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

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sémillon

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

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

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Friuli white

Both come from the same country.

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

Albana

Both come from the same country.

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

Marsala

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.

Similar but fresher

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

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Garganega

curated

Both are gentle, almond-inflected northern Italian whites.

Expect: Higher acidity and more mineral.

Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Gewürztraminer

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Condrieu

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

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

Viognier

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

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

The sparkling version

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

Vouvray

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Franciacorta

Both come from the same country.

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

Crémant

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

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

Méthode Cap Classique

Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Madeira

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.

Marsala

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.

White Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less floral.

Alsace Pinot Gris

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

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Sémillon

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

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

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Furmint

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gewürztraminer

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Condrieu

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

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

Viognier

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

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

Silvaner

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

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

Trebbiano Toscano

Both come from the same country.

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

Seyval Blanc

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Gewürztraminer

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Condrieu

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

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

Viognier

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

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

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less floral

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

Sémillon

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

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

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Sémillon

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

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

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Sercial

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

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

Vouvray

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gewürztraminer

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

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

Petit Manseng

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

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

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 drier, and lighter in alcohol.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Roero Arneis

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

California Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

Pinot Gris

Both come from the same country.

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sémillon

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

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

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sémillon

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

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

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

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

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 drier, 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.