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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 the savoury, non-fruity character and that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too light or thin, too buttery or thick 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 the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less light or thin.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less austere.

Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less austere.

Verdelho

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less austere.

Greco

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
A little less light or thin.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

Alsace Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less austere.

Petit Manseng

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
A little less light or thin.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
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 that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
More light or thin, not less.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
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.

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Verdelho

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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.

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Verdelho

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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.

Riesling

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

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

Trebbiano Toscano

Both come from the same country.

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.

Vouvray

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

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

Nahe Riesling

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

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

Carricante

Both come from the same country.

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

Spätlese

Spätlese 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.

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Greco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Petit Manseng

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Kisi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.

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.

Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Alsace Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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.

Similar but softer

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

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Malvasia

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.

Alsace Pinot Gris

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

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

Muscat of Alexandria

Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

English sparkling wine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Crémant

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Austrian Sekt

Austrian Sekt 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.

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Madeira

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Petit Manseng

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Furmint

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

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

Greco di Tufo

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

Pfalz Riesling

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

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

Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Alsace Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Scheurebe

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Muscat of Alexandria

Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.

Gewürztraminer

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.

Trebbiano Toscano

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Palomino Fino

Palomino Fino scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Silvaner

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

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

Sémillon

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Alsace Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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.

Scheurebe

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Spätlese

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 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

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

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.

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Petit Manseng

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

Verdelho

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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 both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Friuli white

Both are made from friulano, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

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.

Santorini Assyrtiko

Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Friulano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Chablis

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Grüner Veltliner

curated

The 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.

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Verdelho

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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.

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Verdelho

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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.

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.

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.

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.