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.
Refine
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.
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, while moving away from 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
curatedComparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
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 the full body and weight.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Savagnin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
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
curatedComparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Savagnin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
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.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Etna Bianco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Carricante
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
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.
Melon de Bourgogne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
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.
Etna Bianco
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.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez 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.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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 more aromatic, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Trebbiano Spoletino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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.
Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Roussanne
Roussanne scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more aromatic.
Antão Vaz
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Cava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Corpinnat
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.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Arinto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Carricante
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Sancerre
Sancerre scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Pouilly-Fumé
Pouilly-Fumé scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alsace Riesling
Alsace 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 d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Melon de Bourgogne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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
Sancerre scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Soave
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
Montlouis-sur-Loire scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Gros Manseng
Gros Manseng scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Petite Arvine
Petite Arvine scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Avesso
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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.
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
curatedComparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Chablis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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 more aromatic, and fruitier.
Savagnin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
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.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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 more aromatic, and fruitier.
Savagnin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
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.