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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 that it is properly dry, while moving away from too green or grassy, too peppery and too alcoholic or warming.
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 Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Savagnin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Soave Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
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 Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Savagnin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Savagnin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Chablis
curatedA comparably dry, mineral, unoaked white of real precision.
Expect: Rounder and less peppery, with more citrus and a saline finish.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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
Aligoté scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Gavi
Gavi scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Roditis
Roditis scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Alpine white
Alpine white scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Muscadet
Muscadet scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Colombard
Colombard scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Savagnin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Soave Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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 Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Savagnin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from grüner veltliner, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less spicy.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and riper and less green.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and riper and less green.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and riper and less green.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and riper and less green.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Vernaccia di San Gimignano scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Blanc scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and riper and less green.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Amontillado sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Godello
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Vidiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
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 lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Weinviertel 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 lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Wachau 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 spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Weinviertel 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 lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
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.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Chablis
curatedA comparably dry, mineral, unoaked white of real precision.
Expect: Rounder and less peppery, with more citrus and a saline finish.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Savagnin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Soave Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Savagnin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Soave Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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.