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, while moving away from too tropical or sweet-smelling and too austere.

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.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Substantially less austere.

Sémillon

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

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Substantially less austere.

Albana

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

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.

Trebbiano Romagnolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Substantially less austere.

Welschriesling

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

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.

Seyval Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Substantially less austere.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.

Vouvray

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Trebbiano Toscano

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Albana

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

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

Trebbiano Romagnolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Albana

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

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

Trebbiano Romagnolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Sémillon

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

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

Trebbiano Romagnolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Seyval Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

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.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

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

Seyval Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Melon de Bourgogne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscadet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more aromatic.

Viognier

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

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

Pedro Ximénez

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

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.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

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

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Grechetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 more aromatic, and fruitier.

Koshu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Rkatsiteli

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

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

Friuli white

Friuli white scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Vouvray

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Melon de Bourgogne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscadet

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

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

Jacquère

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

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

Similar but softer

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

California Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.

Alsace Pinot Gris

Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

Malvasia

Both come from the same country.

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

The sparkling version

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

Cava

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Crémant

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

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

English sparkling wine

English sparkling wine scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Corpinnat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Trebbiano Toscano

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Albana

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

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

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

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

Albana

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

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

Trebbiano Romagnolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Welschriesling

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

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

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 fruitier, and less oaky.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.

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.

Aidani

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

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

Welsh white wine

Welsh white wine scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Hárslevelű

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

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

Finger Lakes Riesling 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.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Seyval Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Koshu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Similar but more floral

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

Welschriesling

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

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

Vouvray

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Aidani

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Garganega

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.

Muscadet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Palomino Fino

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

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

Franken Silvaner

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Sercial

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Similar but fruitier

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

Vidal

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

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

Hárslevelű

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

Montlouis-sur-Loire scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.

Malvasia

Both come from the same country.

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 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.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Vinho Verde

Both come from the same country.

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

Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Trebbiano Toscano

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Albana

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

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

Trebbiano Romagnolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Albana

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

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

Trebbiano Romagnolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 aromatic.

Santorini Assyrtiko

Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

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.