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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 it is properly dry, 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 that it is properly dry.
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

curated

Both are saline, citrusy Mediterranean whites.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
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 that it is properly dry.
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 that it is properly dry.
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 that it is properly dry.
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.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
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.

Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
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.

Albariño

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
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.

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

curated

Both 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.

Rueda Verdejo

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 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.

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.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alpine white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Loureiro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English Bacchus

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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.

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.

South African Sauvignon Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.

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 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.

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

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

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.

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.

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 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

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

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.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pošip

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 sweeter, and less oaky.

Champagne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Franciacorta

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

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

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Rheinhessen Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pfalz Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rheingau Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valais Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

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.

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.

Dry Furmint

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher and more acidic.

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.

Torrontés

Torrontés 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.

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.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Roussanne

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

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.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Condrieu

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

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

Viognier

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

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

Petit Manseng

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.