If you like this, try…
Wines like Friulano
Friuli’s signature white: dry, nutty and savoury, formerly called Tocai Friulano. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Friulano?
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
- 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.
- How light it is
- A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
- 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.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- 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 savoury, non-fruity character and the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, while moving away from too austere and too light or thin.
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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Friuli white
Both are made from friulano, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- A little less light or thin.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less light or thin.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less light or thin.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less light or thin.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less light or thin.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less austere.
- More light or thin, not less.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Friuli white
Both are made from friulano, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Aidani
Aidani scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano Toscano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
English still white
English still white scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Finger Lakes Riesling scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
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.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Vouvray
Vouvray scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Friulano 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
Both are made from friulano, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Albana
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fresher and more acidic.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Greco di Tufo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
California traditional-method sparkling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Friuli white
Both are made from friulano, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Franken Silvaner
Franken Silvaner scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Friuli white
Both are made from friulano, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
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.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Friuli white
Both are made from friulano, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Friuli white
Both are made from friulano, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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.