If you like this, try…
Wines like Grüner Veltliner
Austria’s signature white: dry, high in acid, with a distinctive white-pepper and lentil savouriness. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Grüner Veltliner?
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
- 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 too strong
- Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
- The spice
- Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
- The herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- The savoury, meaty side
- Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
- 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 savoury, non-fruity character and that it is properly dry, while moving away from too austere.
- You said you like that it is properly dry and that it is too austere. Both are about sweetness, 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.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
Riesling
curatedIts constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
Grüner Veltliner
Both are made from grüner veltliner, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more sparkling.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more sparkling.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
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.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Riesling
curatedIts constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.
Expect: More floral and citrus-driven, and sometimes off-dry.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
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.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Riesling
curatedIts constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.
Expect: More floral and citrus-driven, and sometimes off-dry.
Muscadet
Muscadet scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
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.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more sparkling.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more sparkling.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more sparkling.
Cava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more sparkling.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more sparkling.
English Blanc de Blancs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Szamorodni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Grechetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Riesling
curatedIts constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.
Expect: More floral and citrus-driven, and sometimes off-dry.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more sparkling.
Riesling
curatedIts constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.
Expect: More floral and citrus-driven, and sometimes off-dry.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Rheinhessen Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from grüner veltliner, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Grüner Veltliner
Both are made from grüner veltliner, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Weinviertel Grüner Veltliner
Both are made from grüner veltliner, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
Both are made from grüner veltliner, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Grüner Veltliner
Both are made from grüner veltliner, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Weinviertel Grüner Veltliner
Both are made from grüner veltliner, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Chablis
curatedA comparably dry, mineral, unoaked white of real precision.
Expect: Rounder and less peppery, with more citrus and a saline finish.
Grüner Veltliner
Both are made from grüner veltliner, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more sparkling.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
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.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more sparkling.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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.