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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.

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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.

I like…

The creamy, rounded texture That it is not oaky The savoury, meaty side That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too heavy too light or thin too buttery or thick too plain or too simple too savoury or funky too austere

Clear all

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 that it is properly dry, while moving away from too austere, too plain or too simple and too buttery or thick.

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.

Chenin Blanc

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

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.

Furmint

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

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.

Vouvray

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

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Sémillon

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

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.

Valais Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

English still white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Rheingau Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Furmint

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

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

Vouvray

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.

Sémillon

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Furmint

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

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

Vouvray

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.

Sémillon

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

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

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.

English still white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mosel Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Finger Lakes Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Welsh white wine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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

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

Vouvray

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.

English still white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Furmint

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

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

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Friuli white

Both are made from friulano, and both come from the same country.

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

Dry Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Furmint

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

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

Sémillon

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

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

Vouvray

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Brda Rebula

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Albana

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.

Friuli white

Both are made from friulano, and both come from the same country.

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

Istrian Malvazija

Istrian Malvazija scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Furmint

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

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

Vouvray

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.

Valais Petite Arvine

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

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

English still white

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

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

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

California Chardonnay

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

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

Malvasia

Malvasia scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.

Condrieu

Condrieu scores closest to Friulano 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.

English sparkling wine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Crémant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English Blanc de Blancs

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Austrian Sekt

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Vouvray

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.

Furmint

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

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

Szamorodni

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

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

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 rounder and creamier in texture, and more fruit-driven.

Furmint

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

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

Sémillon

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

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

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Scheurebe

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.

Sauvignon Blanc

curated

Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Spätlese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Sémillon

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

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

Trebbiano Toscano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.

Gavi

Both come from the same country.

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

Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Vouvray

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.

Spätlese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Welsh white wine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less oaky.

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Similar but fruitier

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

Furmint

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

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

Rheingau Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätlese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Friuli white

Both are made from friulano, and both come from the same country.

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

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Friuli white

Both are made from friulano, and both come from the same country.

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

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

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

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

Sauvignon Blanc

curated

A useful anchor for a dry white with herbal, green-edged aromatics.

Expect: Friulano is much less pungent, with an almond-skin bitterness in place of Sauvignon’s gooseberry and cut grass.

Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

English Bacchus

English Bacchus scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Furmint

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

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

Vouvray

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.

Sémillon

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

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

Valais Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Furmint

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

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

Vouvray

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.

Sémillon

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

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

Valais Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less oaky.

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

White Burgundy

White Burgundy scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.