If you like this, try…
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 that the fruit is not covered in oak and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too heavy, too light or thin 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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- More heavy, not less.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- More heavy, not less.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- More heavy, not less.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- More heavy, not less.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- More heavy, not less.
- A little less light or thin.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- More heavy, not less.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- More heavy, not less.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
- 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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
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.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Finger Lakes Riesling scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Aidani
Aidani scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano Toscano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Vouvray
Vouvray scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Finger Lakes Riesling scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Nahe Riesling
Nahe Riesling scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Albana
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
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 drier.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Cava
Cava scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Corpinnat
Corpinnat scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Scheurebe
Scheurebe scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Trebbiano Toscano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Alsace Riesling
Alsace Riesling scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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 more savoury.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
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
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
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 lighter.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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.