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 and that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from 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.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Vermentino
curatedBoth are saline, citrusy Mediterranean whites.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Rueda Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- 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.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Vermentino
curatedBoth are saline, citrusy Mediterranean whites.
Expect: More herbal and lighter.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Rheinhessen Riesling
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.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Rueda Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
English still white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more savoury.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be 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 more herbal and green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
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 more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.
Franciacorta
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.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
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.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Szamorodni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher and more acidic.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
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 more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
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 more herbal and green, and more restrained in fruit.
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 neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
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.
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.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Viognier
Viognier 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 more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
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 more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
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 less oaky, and more aromatic.
Coteaux du Layon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Grillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
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.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
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 more herbal and green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Rueda Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
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 more herbal and green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Rueda Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher and more acidic.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
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.