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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.

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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 it is properly dry, while moving away from too plain or too simple.

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.

Chardonnay

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Friuli white

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

White Bordeaux

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Chilean Chardonnay

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Australian Chardonnay

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

White Burgundy

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.

Friuli white

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 less floral.

White Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less floral.

Chilean Chardonnay

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.

Friuli white

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 less floral.

White Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less floral.

Chilean Chardonnay

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

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

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.

Koshu

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

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

Alpine white

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

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

Gavi

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

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

Aligoté

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

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

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.

Koshu

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

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

Alpine white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Hunter Valley Semillon

Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Parellada

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

Chardonnay

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

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

Chilean Chardonnay

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

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

Dry Furmint

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

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

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.

Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.

White Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less floral.

Chilean Chardonnay

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Friuli white

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 less floral.

Istrian Malvazija

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

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

Brda Rebula

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

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

Koshu

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.

Chilean Chardonnay

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

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

Dry Furmint

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Marsanne

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

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

Condrieu

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

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

Viognier

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

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

Grenache Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 sweeter, and less oaky.

Crémant

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

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

Méthode Cap Classique

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

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

California traditional-method sparkling

California traditional-method sparkling scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

California Chardonnay

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

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

Garganega

curated

Both are gentle, almond-inflected northern Italian whites.

Expect: Higher acidity and more mineral.

Pinot Gris

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

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

Slavonian Graševina

Slavonian Graševina scores closest to Arneis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.

Chilean Chardonnay

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

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

Dry Furmint

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.

Roussanne

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

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

Albariño

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

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.

Pinot Blanc

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

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

Gavi

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Condrieu

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

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

Viognier

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

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

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.

Moschofilero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less floral

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.

Chilean Chardonnay

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

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

Dry Furmint

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Friuli white

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 less floral.

White Burgundy

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

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

Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.

White Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less floral.

Similar but fruitier

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

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.

Pošip

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

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

Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Roero Arneis

Both are made from arneis, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

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.

Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

White Burgundy

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

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

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Friuli white

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 less floral.

White Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less floral.

Chilean Chardonnay

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

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

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

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

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.

Friuli white

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 less floral.

White Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less floral.

Chilean Chardonnay

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

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

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

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

A step up

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

White Burgundy

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

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

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.