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, while moving away from too green or grassy, too alcoholic or warming, too light or thin and too austere.
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.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less light or thin.
- 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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
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
Finger Lakes Riesling scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Aidani
Aidani scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Riesling
curatedIts constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.
Expect: More floral and citrus-driven, and sometimes off-dry.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Muscadet
Muscadet scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
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 more fruit-driven, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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 more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Albana
Albana scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
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 lighter, and riper and less green.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Greco di Tufo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Cava
Cava scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Corpinnat
Corpinnat scores closest to Grüner Veltliner 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.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and riper and less green.
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.
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 more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
White Burgundy
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.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 fruit-driven, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
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.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
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.
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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
South African Chenin Blanc
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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 lighter.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.