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 that it is properly dry and the full body and weight, while moving away from too savoury or funky, too austere and too tropical or sweet-smelling.

You said you like that it is properly dry and that it is too austere. Both are about sweetness, 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.

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Keeps the full body and weight.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.

Albana

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

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
A little less savoury or funky.
Substantially less austere.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.

Welschriesling

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

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
A little less savoury or funky.
Substantially less austere.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.

Sémillon

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

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Trebbiano Toscano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
Has noticeably less of the full body and weight.
A little less savoury or funky.
Substantially less austere.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Malvasia

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

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
Keeps the full body and weight.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less austere.
More tropical or sweet-smelling, not less.

Douro white

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Keeps the full body and weight.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
Keeps the full body and weight.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less austere.
More tropical or sweet-smelling, not less.

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

curated

Comparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.

Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.

Albana

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

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

Welschriesling

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Albana

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

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

Welschriesling

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Trebbiano Toscano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Albana

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

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

Welschriesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vouvray

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Albana

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

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

Seyval Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fruitier.

Viognier

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Pedro Ximénez

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

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.

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.

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 drier, and more aromatic.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Albana

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Malvazija Istarska

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Koshu

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Similar but fresher

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

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petit Manseng

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vouvray

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Crémant

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Glera

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Vouvray

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Albana

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

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

Welschriesling

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Albana

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

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

Welschriesling

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

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

Trebbiano Toscano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 more aromatic.

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 fruitier, and drier.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Roussanne

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

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

Scheurebe

Scheurebe 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 lighter, and fruitier.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

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

Pinot Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Seyval Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Similar but more floral

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Welschriesling

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

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

Hárslevelű

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Savennières

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

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

Palomino Fino

Palomino Fino scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Franken Silvaner

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

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

White Burgundy

White Burgundy scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

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.

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petit Manseng

Petit Manseng scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Vidal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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 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.

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.

Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.

Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.

Something more adventurous

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

Albana

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

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

Welschriesling

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Trebbiano Toscano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Albana

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

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

Welschriesling

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Trebbiano Toscano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more savoury.

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.

Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

South African Chenin Blanc

South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.