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 that it is properly dry and the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, while moving away from 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.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Douro white
Both are made from encruzado, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- 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.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Douro white
Both are made from encruzado, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more neutral and subtle.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more neutral and subtle.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more neutral and subtle.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Oloroso sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Priorat
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.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Douro white
Both are made from encruzado, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and leaner and more cutting.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more neutral and subtle.
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 fruitier, and sweeter.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
California traditional-method sparkling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and sweeter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and leaner and more cutting.
Grechetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more neutral and subtle.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
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 fruitier, and sweeter.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and leaner and more cutting.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and leaner and more cutting.
Falanghina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more neutral and subtle.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Antão Vaz
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.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and leaner and more cutting.
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.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Douro white
Both are made from encruzado, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more neutral and subtle.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
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.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Douro white
Both are made from encruzado, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more neutral and subtle.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
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.