If you like this, try…
Wines like Grillo
A Sicilian white with good acidity and body, originally bred for Marsala and now a leading dry white. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Grillo?
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 tropical fruit
- Passionfruit, mango, pineapple, guava. It comes from riper fruit and warmer sites, and it is the difference between Marlborough and Sancerre in the same grape.
- 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.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- How aromatic it is
- Some grapes announce themselves from across the room — Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc. Others are far quieter, and quiet is not the same as dull.
- 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 moving away from too perfumed, too plain or too simple, too austere and too light or thin.
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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less light or thin.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less light or thin.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
- More light or thin, not less.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
- More light or thin, not less.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less light or thin.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- A little less light or thin.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- A little less light or thin.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
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 drier, and more oaky.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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 drier, and more oaky.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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
English still white scores closest to Grillo 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.
Gavi
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Glera
Both come from the same country.
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.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Vouvray
Vouvray scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Dry Furmint
Dry Furmint scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
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 drier, and more oaky.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more tannic and structured.
Albana
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Chenin Blanc
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.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Grillo 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.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Marsala
Both are made from grillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 more oaky, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
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 drier, and more oaky.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Savennières
Savennières scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
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.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.