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.

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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.

I like…

How full and weighty it is The creamy, rounded texture That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or lemony too tropical or sweet-smelling too heavy too buttery or thick too savoury or funky too austere

Clear all

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 tropical or sweet-smelling.

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.

Sémillon

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

Substantially less austere.
A little less sharp or lemony.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

Substantially less austere.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less austere.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.

Welschriesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less austere.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less austere.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.

Aidani

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less austere.
A little less sharp or lemony.
More tropical or sweet-smelling, not less.

Trebbiano Romagnolo

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 tropical or sweet-smelling.

Sercial

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

Substantially less austere.
A little less sharp or lemony.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Welschriesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Welschriesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Sémillon

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

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

Aidani

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.

Trebbiano Romagnolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Trebbiano Romagnolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Welschriesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Pedro Ximénez

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.

Condrieu

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Viognier

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

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.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

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 more aromatic.

Malvasia

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Koshu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Istrian Malvazija

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Vouvray

Vouvray scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English still white

English still white scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Vinho Verde

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but softer

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

California Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.

Malvasia

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Marsanne

Marsanne scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

The sparkling version

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

Glera

Glera scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Cava

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

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 aromatic.

Crémant

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.

Similar but sweeter

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Albana

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

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

Chenin Blanc

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

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

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.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Albana

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

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

Welschriesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Aidani

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.

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 fruitier, and less oaky.

California Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.

Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Aidani

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.

Hárslevelű

Hárslevelű scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.

Alsace Pinot Gris

Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.

Ortega

Ortega scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Chasselas

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Palomino Fino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Aidani

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.

Hárslevelű

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.

Welschriesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.

Similar but more savoury

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

Palomino Fino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sercial

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Muscadet

Muscadet scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Franken Silvaner

Franken Silvaner 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.

Vidal

Vidal scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Hárslevelű

Hárslevelű scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Malvasia

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Alsace Pinot Gris

Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Douro white

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Douro white

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.

Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.

Glera

Glera scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Something more adventurous

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Welschriesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Welschriesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

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

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 aromatic.

California Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.

Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.

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.