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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.

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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.

I like…

The spice The savoury, meaty side That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too light or thin too alcoholic or warming too peppery too green or grassy too savoury or funky too austere

Clear all

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 light or thin, too green or grassy 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 light or thin.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less austere.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less green or grassy.
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 light or thin.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less austere.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less green or grassy.
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 light or thin.
Substantially less green or grassy.
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 light or thin.
Substantially less green or grassy.
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 light or thin.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less austere.

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less green or grassy.
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.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

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.

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.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

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.

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

curated

Its constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.

Expect: More floral and citrus-driven, and sometimes off-dry.

Trebbiano Toscano

Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Finger Lakes Riesling

Finger Lakes Riesling scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

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

curated

Its constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.

Expect: More floral and citrus-driven, and sometimes off-dry.

Mosel Riesling

Mosel Riesling scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Vinho Verde

Vinho Verde scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

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.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

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.

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.

Vouvray

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

Assyrtiko

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.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

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.

Szamorodni

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.

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.

Gewürztraminer

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.

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.

Sémillon

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.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

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

Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

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 place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Grüner Veltliner

Both are made from grüner veltliner, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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.

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 both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 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.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

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.

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.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

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.

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

Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

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 lighter.

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.