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 tropical or sweet-smelling and too buttery or thick.

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 tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.

Štajerska Šipon

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

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

Pinot Blanc

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
A little less savoury or funky.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
A little less buttery or thick.

Šipon

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

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

Bical

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

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

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 full body and weight.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.

Cortese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malvazija Istarska

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

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

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.

Štajerska Šipon

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

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

Pinot Blanc

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

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

Šipon

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Štajerska Šipon

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

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

Pinot Blanc

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

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

Šipon

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

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

Bical

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Štajerska Šipon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Šipon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bical

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

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

Pinot Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Štajerska Šipon

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

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

Šipon

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

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

Cortese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Arinto

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

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.

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 rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.

Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.

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.

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 more aromatic, and fruitier.

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.

Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.

Štajerska Šipon

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

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

Pinot Blanc

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Malvazija Istarska

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

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

Brda Rebula

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

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

Trebbiano Spoletino

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

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

Koshu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Štajerska Šipon

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

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

Šipon

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

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

Cortese

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Arinto

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Antão Vaz

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

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

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more aromatic.

Pošip

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

The sparkling version

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

Crémant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Austrian Sekt

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

English sparkling wine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Similar but sweeter

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

Slavonian Graševina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Graševina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Verdelho

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.

Šipon

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

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

Bical

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

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

Cortese

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Malvazija Istarska

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.

Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.

Dry Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chilean Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Sancerre

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

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

Pouilly-Fumé

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.

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 lighter, and softer and rounder.

Cortese

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Sancerre

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Falanghina

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.

Savennières

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscadet

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

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

Palomino Fino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.

Franken Silvaner

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.

Similar but fruitier

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

Avesso

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

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.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pošip

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

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 Grigio

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pouilly-Fumé

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sancerre

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Štajerska Šipon

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

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

Pinot Blanc

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

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

Šipon

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

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

Bical

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Štajerska Šipon

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

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

Pinot Blanc

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

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

Šipon

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

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

Bical

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

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

A step up

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

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.