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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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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 the creamy, rounded mouthfeel and that it is properly dry, while moving away from too buttery or thick, too heavy and too savoury or funky.

You said you like the creamy, rounded mouthfeel and that it is too buttery or thick. Both are about texture, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the creamy, rounded mouthfeel and that it is too buttery or thick. Both are about acidity, 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.

Loureiro

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

Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Aligoté

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

Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less savoury or funky.

Sauvignon Blanc

curated

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

Has noticeably less of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Cortese

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

Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Gavi

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

Has noticeably less of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less savoury or funky.

Picpoul de Pinet

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

Has noticeably less of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less savoury or funky.

Picpoul

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

Has noticeably less of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less savoury or funky.

Colombard

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

Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Loureiro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter in alcohol.

Aligoté

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

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

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.

Cortese

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.

Loureiro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter in alcohol.

Aligoté

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

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

Cortese

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

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

Gavi

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

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

Aligoté

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

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

Cortese

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

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

Loureiro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter in alcohol.

Gavi

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

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

Loureiro

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.

Colombard

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.

Moschofilero

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.

Alpine white

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Dry Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fiano

Both come from the same country.

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

Fiano di Avellino

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.

Loureiro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter in alcohol.

Aligoté

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

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

Cortese

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

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

Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)

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

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

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 fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.

Trebbiano Spoletino

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

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

Brda Rebula

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

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

Ribolla Gialla

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Aligoté

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

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

Cortese

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

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

Loureiro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter in alcohol.

Gavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, 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

Antão Vaz scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Pošip

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

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

Malagousia

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

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

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 sweeter, and fuller and richer.

Sekt

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.

Crémant

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.

Similar but sweeter

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

English still white

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

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

Phoenix

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.

English Bacchus

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.

Vinho Verde

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

White Bordeaux

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

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

Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)

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

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

Dry Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Verdicchio

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

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.

Moschofilero

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.

Loureiro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter in alcohol.

Mantinia Moschofilero

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.

Sauvignon Blanc

curated

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.

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, and both come from the same country.

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

Gavi

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

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

Melon de Bourgogne

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

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

Koshu

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Loureiro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter in alcohol.

Moschofilero

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.

Albariño

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

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

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

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

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

Melon de Bourgogne

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

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

Muscadet

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.

Loureiro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter in alcohol.

Moschofilero

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.

Albariño

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

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

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

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

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.

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.

Albariño

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

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

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

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

Pinot Grigio

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.

Something more adventurous

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

Loureiro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter in alcohol.

Aligoté

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

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

Cortese

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

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

Gavi

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

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

Loureiro

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter in alcohol.

Aligoté

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

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

Cortese

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

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

Gavi

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

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

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 fuller and richer, and more savoury.

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

White Burgundy

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

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

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.