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 keeping the full body and weight and the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, while moving away from too heavy and too savoury or funky.

You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about alcohol, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.

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.

Hárslevelű

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Avesso

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.

Keeps the full body and weight.
Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
A little less heavy.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Falanghina

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Auxerrois

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less savoury or funky.

Torrontés

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Kerner

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Hárslevelű

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

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

Avesso

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less oaky.

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.

Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Hárslevelű

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

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

Avesso

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less oaky.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

Falanghina

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

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.

Avesso

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less oaky.

Hárslevelű

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

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

Falanghina

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

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.

Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

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

Weinviertel Grüner Veltliner

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more restrained in fruit.

Moschofilero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

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 fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.

Viognier

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.

Pedro Ximénez

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.

Hárslevelű

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

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

Auxerrois

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more restrained in fruit.

Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)

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

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

Vidal

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

Malvazija Istarska

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more restrained in fruit.

Albana

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more restrained in fruit.

Malvasia

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but fresher

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

Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

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

Petite Arvine

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

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

Štajerska Šipon

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Auxerrois

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more restrained in fruit.

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.

Pošip

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.

The sparkling version

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

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

Franciacorta

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

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

Méthode Cap Classique

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

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

California traditional-method sparkling

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Hárslevelű

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

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

Scheurebe

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and sweeter.

Albana

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more restrained in fruit.

Vidal

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.

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.

Hárslevelű

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

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

Avesso

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and broader and softer.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

Falanghina

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

White Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

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.

Hárslevelű

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

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

Torrontés

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more aromatic.

Scheurebe

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and sweeter.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

Similar but more restrained

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

Pinot Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more restrained in fruit.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Seyval Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and leaner and more cutting.

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 sweeter, and more floral.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

Falanghina

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

Kerner

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and sweeter.

Similar but more savoury

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

Franken Silvaner

Franken Silvaner scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Rkatsiteli

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Friulano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stronger and warmer.

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Hárslevelű

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

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

Avesso

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less oaky.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

Falanghina

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

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

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Douro white

Both are made from encruzado, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

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

curated

Comparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.

Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.

Pinot Gris

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and softer and rounder.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Albariño

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.

Hárslevelű

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

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

Avesso

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less oaky.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

Falanghina

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more 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.

Hárslevelű

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

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

Avesso

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less oaky.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

Falanghina

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

A step up

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

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.

Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.