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.

← Back to Grillo

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.

I like…

The tropical fruit That it is not oaky How aromatic it is That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too tropical or sweet-smelling too heavy too light or thin too plain or too simple too perfumed too austere

Clear all

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 heavy, too perfumed and too plain or too simple.

You said you like that the fruit is not covered in oak and that it is too plain or too simple. Both are about oak influence, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.

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.

Vermentino

curated

Both are saline, citrusy Mediterranean whites.

Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Gavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Aligoté

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

Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

English still white

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

Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Alpine white

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

Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Koshu

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 heavy.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Chenin Blanc

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Sémillon

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Vermentino

curated

Both are saline, citrusy Mediterranean whites.

Expect: More herbal and lighter.

Gavi

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 more neutral and subtle.

Aligoté

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Gavi

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 more neutral and subtle.

Aligoté

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.

Alpine white

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Gavi

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 more neutral and subtle.

Aligoté

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.

Alpine white

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Alpine white

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

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

Gavi

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 more neutral and subtle.

Aligoté

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.

Dry Furmint

Dry Furmint scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.

Furmint

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.

Friuli white

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

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.

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.

Verdicchio

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 fuller and richer.

Aligoté

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Koshu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.

Istrian Malvazija

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Brda Rebula

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Rkatsiteli

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Gavi

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 more neutral and subtle.

Aligoté

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.

Alpine white

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Auxerrois

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Pinot Gris

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Roero Arneis

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Macabeo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

The sparkling version

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

English Blanc de Blancs

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.

Glera

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Franciacorta

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Méthode Cap Classique

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.

English Blanc de Blancs

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.

Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.

White Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.

Moschofilero

Moschofilero scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.

Mantinia Moschofilero

Mantinia Moschofilero 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.

Gavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.

Aligoté

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.

Alpine white

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Welsh white wine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.

English Bacchus

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.

Bacchus

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.

Soave

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 fuller and richer.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Franken Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Etna Bianco

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 fuller and richer.

Chablis

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.

Spätlese

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.

Coteaux du Layon

Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.

Pinot Grigio

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.

Pinot Gris

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Chablis

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Gavi

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 more neutral and subtle.

Aligoté

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.

Alpine white

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

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

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.

Gavi

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 more neutral and subtle.

Aligoté

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.

Alpine white

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

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

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 fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.