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 moving away from too tropical or sweet-smelling, too buttery or thick, too savoury or funky and too heavy.

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.

Cortese

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

A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
A little less savoury or funky.
Substantially less heavy.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

More tropical or sweet-smelling, not less.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less heavy.

Štajerska Šipon

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

About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
A little less savoury or funky.
Substantially less heavy.

Šipon

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

About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
A little less savoury or funky.
Substantially less heavy.

Pinot Blanc

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

A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
A little less buttery or thick.
A little less savoury or funky.
Substantially less heavy.

Avesso

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

More tropical or sweet-smelling, not less.
A little less buttery or thick.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less heavy.

Vinho Verde

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

About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
A little less savoury or funky.
Substantially less heavy.

Bical

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

About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
A little less buttery or thick.
A little less savoury or funky.
Substantially less heavy.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Cortese

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

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

Štajerska Šipon

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

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

Šipon

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Cortese

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

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

Štajerska Šipon

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

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

Šipon

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

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

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.

Cortese

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

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

Štajerska Šipon

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

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

Šipon

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

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

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.

Cortese

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

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

Vinho Verde

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

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

Colombard

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

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

Štajerska Šipon

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

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

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.

Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.

Šipon

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

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

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Cortese

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

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

Štajerska Šipon

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

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

Šipon

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

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

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 more aromatic, and softer and rounder.

Malvazija Istarska

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

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

Albana

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

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

Koshu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Cortese

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

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

Štajerska Šipon

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

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

Šipon

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Auxerrois

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Antão Vaz

Both come from the same country.

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

Pošip

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

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

Alsace Pinot Gris 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.

Austrian Sekt

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

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

Crémant

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

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

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

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

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

Sekt

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

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

Welschriesling

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

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

Albana

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

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

Trebbiano Toscano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Cortese

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

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

Šipon

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

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

Avesso

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

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

Vinho Verde

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Sémillon

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

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

Dry Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Loureiro

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

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

Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätlese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Cortese

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

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

Pinot Blanc

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

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

Seyval Blanc

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

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

Gavi

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Loureiro

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

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

Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätlese

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.

Muscadet

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

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

Franken Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chablis

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Etna Bianco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

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

Avesso

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

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

Loureiro

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

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

Spätlese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 softer and rounder.

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 restrained in fruit.

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.

Vinho Verde

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 Grigio

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Cortese

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

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

Štajerska Šipon

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

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

Šipon

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

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

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.

Cortese

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

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

Štajerska Šipon

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

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

Šipon

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

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

A step up

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

Chablis

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Grüner Veltliner

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.