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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.
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 creamy, rounded mouthfeel and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too heavy and too austere.
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.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less austere.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less austere.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less austere.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less austere.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less austere.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedThe closest comparison in Central Europe: dry, textured, faintly herbal and food-shaped.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less heavy.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
English still white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less austere.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less austere.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
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.
Trebbiano Toscano
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 leaner and more cutting.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more fruit-driven.
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.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter in alcohol.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Vidal
Vidal scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fuller and richer.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Ribolla Gialla
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Tsolikouri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
English still white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.
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 fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Auxerrois
Auxerrois scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
English Blanc de Blancs
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Franciacorta
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Méthode Cap Classique
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
California traditional-method sparkling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano Toscano
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 leaner and more cutting.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fuller and richer.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fuller and richer.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more fruit-driven.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
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 fuller and richer, and drier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fuller and richer.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more fruit-driven.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, 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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and lighter in alcohol.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedThe closest comparison in Central Europe: dry, textured, faintly herbal and food-shaped.
Expect: Grüner Veltliner is peppery where Friulano is nutty.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
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.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
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 drier.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
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.