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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 savoury, non-fruity character and the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, while moving away from too heavy, too plain or too simple 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.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedThe closest comparison in Central Europe: dry, textured, faintly herbal and food-shaped.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
English still white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- More heavy, not less.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as austere 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.
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.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedThe closest comparison in Central Europe: dry, textured, faintly herbal and food-shaped.
Expect: Grüner Veltliner is peppery where Friulano is nutty.
English still white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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.
English still white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
English still white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
Friuli white
Both are made from friulano, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
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.
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.
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 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 fuller and richer, and drier.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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 less oaky.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
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 fuller and richer, and drier.
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.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
English Blanc de Blancs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
California traditional-method sparkling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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 more fruit-driven.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Szamorodni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
Vouvray
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.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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 less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Hárslevelű
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 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.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fuller and richer.
Chenin Blanc
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.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Rheinhessen Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Rheingau Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
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.
English still white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
English still white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.