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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.

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 plain or too simple and too tropical or sweet-smelling.

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.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Friuli white

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Chardonnay

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

White Burgundy

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Sémillon

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Chenin Blanc

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Verdicchio

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 plain or too simple.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Soave

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 plain or too simple.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

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.

Friuli white

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

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

Chardonnay

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

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

White Burgundy

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Friuli white

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

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

Chardonnay

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

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

White Burgundy

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

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

Vermentino

curated

Both are saline, citrusy Mediterranean whites.

Expect: More herbal and lighter.

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.

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 fresher and more acidic.

Alpine white

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

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

Gavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Alpine white

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

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

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 fresher and more acidic.

Chardonnay

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

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

Chablis

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.

Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more floral.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.

Douro white

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky.

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.

Chardonnay

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

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

White Burgundy

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Friuli white

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

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

Istrian Malvazija

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and broader and softer.

Brda Rebula

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

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

Koshu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Etna Bianco

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

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

Greco di Tufo

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

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

Chablis

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Aligoté

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.

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.

Pošip

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.

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 softer and rounder.

The sparkling version

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

Cava

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

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

Crémant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English sparkling wine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English Blanc de Blancs

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.

Garganega

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 floral.

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 fruitier, and softer and rounder.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Chardonnay

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

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

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.

Friuli white

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Sauvignon Blanc

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

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

Vin Jaune

Vin Jaune scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Torrontés

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

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

Scheurebe

Scheurebe 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.

Friuli white

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

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

White Burgundy

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

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

Vermentino

curated

Both are saline, citrusy Mediterranean whites.

Expect: More herbal and lighter.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.

Similar but more floral

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

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 lighter in alcohol.

Garganega

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 sweeter.

Welsh white wine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Roero Arneis

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 softer and rounder.

Similar but more savoury

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

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

White Burgundy

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

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

Savennières

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

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

Franken Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Petit Manseng

Petit Manseng scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Spätlese

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

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

Coteaux du Layon

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

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

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.

Marsala

Both are made from grillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.

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.

Chardonnay

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

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

White Burgundy

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

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

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.

Grüner Veltliner

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Friuli white

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.

Vermentino

curated

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 herbal and green.

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

Friuli white

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

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

Vermentino

curated

Both are saline, citrusy Mediterranean whites.

Expect: More herbal and lighter.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

White Burgundy

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

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

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.

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.