If you like this, try…
Wines like Furmint
Hungary’s great white variety: high in acid, smoky and structured, and the backbone of both dry Tokaji and Tokaji Aszú. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Furmint?
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
- The citrus and orchard fruit
- Lemon, lime, green apple, pear. The signature of a cool-climate white — quieter and less perfumed than tropical fruit, and a different thing from the acidity it usually travels with.
- How fresh and crisp it is
- Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
- 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.
- 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.
- The vanilla and oak
- Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
- The touch of sweetness
- Actual sugar left in the wine, which is a different thing from tasting fruity. A wine can smell of ripe peach and be completely dry.
Looking for something moving away from too oaky or woody, too sharp or lemony and too heavy.
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.
Chenin Blanc
curatedBoth are high-acid, waxy, ageworthy varieties made across the sweetness range.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less heavy.
Riesling
curatedShared searing acidity, mineral character and dry-to-sweet range.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less heavy.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less heavy.
Retsina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less sharp or lemony.
- A little less heavy.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less heavy.
Vermentino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less heavy.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less heavy.
Garganega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less heavy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Chenin Blanc
curatedBoth are high-acid, waxy, ageworthy varieties made across the sweetness range.
Expect: Slightly rounder and less smoky.
Riesling
curatedShared searing acidity, mineral character and dry-to-sweet range.
Expect: Lighter and more floral, without the smoky, waxy weight.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Retsina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Retsina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Vermentino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Riesling
curatedShared searing acidity, mineral character and dry-to-sweet range.
Expect: Lighter and more floral, without the smoky, waxy weight.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Müller-Thurgau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Riesling
curatedShared searing acidity, mineral character and dry-to-sweet range.
Expect: Lighter and more floral, without the smoky, waxy weight.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Furmint across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Furmint across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Furmint across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
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.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rkatsiteli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and broader and softer.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Champagne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Franciacorta
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Méthode Cap Classique
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Retsina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Vermentino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Moscato d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Eiswein
Eiswein scores closest to Furmint across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Coteaux du Layon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Müller-Thurgau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Furmint across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Chenin Blanc
curatedBoth are high-acid, waxy, ageworthy varieties made across the sweetness range.
Expect: Slightly rounder and less smoky.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and broader and softer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and broader and softer.
Falanghina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Franken Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Retsina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Rkatsiteli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Furmint across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Furmint across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, somewhere else
Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.
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.
Štajerska Šipon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Šipon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dry Furmint
Both are made from furmint, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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.
Štajerska Šipon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Šipon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dry Furmint
Both are made from furmint, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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
curatedBoth are high-acid, waxy, ageworthy varieties made across the sweetness range.
Expect: Slightly rounder and less smoky.
Riesling
curatedShared searing acidity, mineral character and dry-to-sweet range.
Expect: Lighter and more floral, without the smoky, waxy weight.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Retsina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Vermentino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Retsina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Vermentino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
Chablis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more neutral and subtle.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.