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.
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.
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.
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.
Friuli white
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.
White Burgundy
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.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Friuli white
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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Friuli white
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.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
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.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Muscadet
Muscadet scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
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 more aromatic, and fruitier.
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.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
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.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more aromatic.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more aromatic.
Greco di Tufo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more aromatic.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more aromatic.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more aromatic.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more aromatic.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Corpinnat
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.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
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.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
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.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Friulano
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.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.
California Chardonnay
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.
Roussanne
Roussanne scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Malagousia
Malagousia 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.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Chasselas
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable structure, texture and response to barrel ageing.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly oaky.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
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 fresher and more acidic.
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.
Antão Vaz
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Pošip
Pošip scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Godello
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
Wachau Grüner Veltliner scores closest to Encruzado across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
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.
White Burgundy
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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Assyrtiko
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.
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.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Assyrtiko
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.
White Burgundy
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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
South African Chenin Blanc
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.