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.
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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 keeping that it is properly dry and that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too perfumed.
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.
Catarratto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Vermentino
curatedBoth are saline, citrusy Mediterranean whites.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Trebbiano Abruzzese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Trebbiano di Soave
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Ribolla Gialla
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Trebbiano Spoletino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Catarratto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
Vermentino
curatedBoth are saline, citrusy Mediterranean whites.
Expect: More herbal and lighter.
Trebbiano Abruzzese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, 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.
Catarratto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Abruzzese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more fruit-driven.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher and more acidic.
Hondarrabi Zuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more sparkling.
Hunter Valley Semillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Carricante
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
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.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more restrained in fruit.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more restrained in fruit.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Ribolla Gialla
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rkatsiteli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
Carricante
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and leaner and more cutting.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stiller.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Muscadet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Grechetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more neutral and subtle.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more restrained in fruit.
Graševina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more restrained in fruit.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Soave Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more floral.
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 more oaky, and more floral.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Catarratto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Abruzzese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Athiri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more restrained in fruit.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Carricante
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Rkatsiteli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
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.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Chablis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Catarratto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Abruzzese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Catarratto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Abruzzese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more restrained in fruit.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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.