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 keeping the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, while moving away from too austere and too sharp or lemony.
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.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and softer and rounder.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and leaner and more cutting.
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.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
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 fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
Vouvray
Vouvray scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 softer and rounder.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
California traditional-method sparkling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Champagne
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
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.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and softer and rounder.
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 more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and softer and rounder.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
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.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
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 leaner and more cutting, and softer and rounder.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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.