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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 that it is properly dry, while moving away from too heavy, too light or thin, too plain or too simple 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.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- More heavy, not less.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- More heavy, not less.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- More heavy, not less.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less savoury or funky.
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.
- More heavy, not less.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- More heavy, not less.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- More heavy, not less.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- More heavy, not less.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- More heavy, not less.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in 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 more savoury.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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 Bacchus
English Bacchus 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.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedA 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.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço) 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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
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.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
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 more savoury.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Brda Rebula
Brda Rebula 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.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedA 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.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
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.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Franciacorta
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 more savoury.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedSauvignon Blanc scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less 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 lighter.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
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 more savoury, and lighter.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
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.
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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedA 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.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in 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 more savoury.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in 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 more savoury.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
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.