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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 moving away from too buttery or thick, too light or thin, too plain or too simple, too heavy and too savoury or funky.

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.

Sauvignon Blanc

curated

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

Substantially less buttery or thick.
More light or thin, not less.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

English still white

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

Substantially less buttery or thick.
More light or thin, not less.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less savoury or funky.

Gavi

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

Substantially less buttery or thick.
More light or thin, not less.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less savoury or funky.

Aligoté

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

Substantially less buttery or thick.
More light or thin, not less.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less heavy.
A little less savoury or funky.

Albariño

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

Substantially less buttery or thick.
More light or thin, not less.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Rías Baixas Albariño

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

Substantially less buttery or thick.
More light or thin, not less.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Rheingau Riesling

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

Substantially less buttery or thick.
More light or thin, not less.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

South African Sauvignon Blanc

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

Substantially less buttery or thick.
More light or thin, not less.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
A little 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.

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.

English still white

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

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

Aligoté

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

English still white

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

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

Aligoté

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

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

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.

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.

Gavi

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

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

English still white

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

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

Aligoté

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

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

Alpine white

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Alpine white

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

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

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.

English still white

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

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

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.

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.

Chilean Chardonnay

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

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.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

English still white

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

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

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.

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 less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Istrian Malvazija

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

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Trebbiano Spoletino

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Gavi

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

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

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.

English still white

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

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

Aligoté

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

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

Similar but softer

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

California Chardonnay

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

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

Alsace Pinot Gris 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.

Marsanne

Marsanne 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 less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Sekt

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

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

Crémant

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

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

English Blanc de Blancs

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

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

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 fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Vouvray

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

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

English still white

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

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

Rheingau Riesling

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

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

Dry Furmint

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

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

Furmint

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 aromatic

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

Sauvignon Blanc

curated

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Albariño

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

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Gavi

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

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

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

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

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

Sémillon

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 floral

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

Albariño

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

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

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

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

English Bacchus

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bacchus

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Pouilly-Fumé

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

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

Gavi

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

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 less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Rías Baixas Albariño

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

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

Rheingau Riesling

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

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

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 less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Rías Baixas Albariño

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

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

German dry Riesling (trocken)

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

English still white

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

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

Aligoté

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

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

Rheingau Riesling

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

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

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.

English still white

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

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

Aligoté

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

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

Rheingau Riesling

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

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

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

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.