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 keeping that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too austere, too light or thin and 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.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less light or thin.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less light or thin.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- More light or thin, not less.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less austere.
- More light or thin, not less.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less light or thin.
- About as perfumed 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.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
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.
Trebbiano Toscano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Glera
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Seyval Blanc
Seyval Blanc scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Finger Lakes Riesling scores closest to Grillo 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.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Grillo 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.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Furmint
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 aromatic.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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.
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 more oaky, and lighter.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Soave Classico
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Fiano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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.
Savennières
Savennières 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Pinot Gris
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
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 Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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.