If you like this, try…
Wines like Encruzado
The Dão’s outstanding white variety, capable of Burgundian weight and longevity. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Encruzado?
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
- The citrus and orchard fruit
- Lemon, lime, green apple, pear. The signature of a cool-climate white — quieter and less perfumed than tropical fruit, and a different thing from the acidity it usually travels with.
- The tropical fruit
- Passionfruit, mango, pineapple, guava. It comes from riper fruit and warmer sites, and it is the difference between Marlborough and Sancerre in the same grape.
- 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 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 austere, too sharp or lemony 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.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less buttery or thick.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less buttery or thick.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less buttery or thick.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- A little less buttery or thick.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- A little less buttery or thick.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- A little less buttery or thick.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
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 fresher, and fruitier.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
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.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Encruzado 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 Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
English Blanc de Blancs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
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 softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and rounder and creamier in texture.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Chasselas
Chasselas scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
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 softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
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, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Muscadet
Muscadet scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
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.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
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.