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 the tropical, exotic fruit, while moving away from too light or thin, too heavy and too plain or too simple.
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
curatedBoth are saline, citrusy Mediterranean whites.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- More light or thin, not less.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- More light or thin, not less.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- More light or thin, not less.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- More light or thin, not less.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- More light or thin, not less.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Rueda Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- More light or thin, not less.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- More light or thin, not less.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- More light or thin, not less.
- Substantially less heavy.
- 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
curatedBoth are saline, citrusy Mediterranean whites.
Expect: More herbal and lighter.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
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 Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Welsh white wine
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 more restrained in fruit.
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.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
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 more restrained in fruit.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.
New Zealand Chardonnay
New Zealand Chardonnay scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.
Chilean Chardonnay
Chilean Chardonnay scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
Brda Rebula
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.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Rheingau Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Pošip
Pošip scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Roussanne
Roussanne scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
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.
Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
California traditional-method sparkling
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.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
Szamorodni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Mantinia Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Vermentino
curatedBoth are saline, citrusy Mediterranean whites.
Expect: More herbal and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.
New Zealand Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Rueda Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
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.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Rueda Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
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 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 fresher and more acidic.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
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.