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 how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too light or thin, too tropical or sweet-smelling and too austere.
- You said you like how much it smells of, before you even taste it and that it is too tropical or sweet-smelling. Both are about aromatic intensity, 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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less austere.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- A little less light or thin.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- A little less light or thin.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- More light or thin, not less.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less austere.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less austere.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- More light or thin, not less.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less austere.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less austere.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- More light or thin, not less.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less austere.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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.
Aidani
Aidani 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.
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.
Glera
Both come from the same country.
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
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.
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.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Furmint
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.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Cava
Cava 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.
Corpinnat
Corpinnat 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 lighter, and fruitier.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Furmint
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 drier, 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.
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 fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Scheurebe
Scheurebe 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 fruitier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Scheurebe
Scheurebe scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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 fruitier, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
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.
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 drier, and lighter.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Santorini Assyrtiko
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.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 lighter.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.