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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 buttery or thick, too light or thin and too plain or too simple.

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.

Friuli white

Both are made from friulano, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

New Zealand Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Chilean Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Dry Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Grüner Veltliner

curated

The closest comparison in Central Europe: dry, textured, faintly herbal and food-shaped.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
A little less buttery or thick.
More light or thin, not less.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

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 lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

New Zealand Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Aligoté

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Alpine white

Alpine white scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

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.

Dry Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

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.

Etna Bianco

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Chablis

Chablis 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.

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 lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

New Zealand Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Brda Rebula

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Kisi

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

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

Istrian Malvazija

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but fresher

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

Dry Furmint

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Greco di Tufo

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

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

Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but softer

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

Pošip

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

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

Roussanne

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

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

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.

Marsanne

Marsanne 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

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Crémant

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Austrian Sekt

Austrian Sekt scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Sekt

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Similar but sweeter

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

Madeira

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Valais Petite Arvine

Valais Petite Arvine scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Marsala

Both come from the same country.

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

Pfalz Riesling

Pfalz Riesling scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Friuli white

Both are made from friulano, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

White Burgundy

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Sauvignon Blanc

curated

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Vin Jaune

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Albariño

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more restrained

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

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Pinot Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Gavi

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more floral

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

Albariño

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Rías Baixas Albariño

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Sancerre

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Vin Jaune

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but fruitier

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

Chilean Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dry Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

German dry Riesling (trocken)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Something more adventurous

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

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 lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

New Zealand Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chilean Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dry Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

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.

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 lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

New Zealand Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chilean Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dry Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

A step up

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.