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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 alcoholic or warming and too green or grassy.

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.

Sercial

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Bual

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less green or grassy.

White Burgundy

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Savagnin

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Friulano

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Friuli white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Greco di Tufo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less green or grassy.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Sercial

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

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

Bual

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

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

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.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Sercial

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

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

Bual

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

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

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.

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.

English still white

English still white scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Picpoul de Pinet

Picpoul de Pinet scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Picpoul

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

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

Aligoté

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.

Muscadet

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

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

Alpine white

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

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

Hondarrabi Zuri

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

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

Txakoli

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Bual

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

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

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.

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.

Bual

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

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

Sercial

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

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

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.

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 lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.

Friuli white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rkatsiteli

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Istrian Malvazija

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Assyrtiko

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

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

Greco di Tufo

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

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

Savennières

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

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

Greco

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

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

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 riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pedro Ximénez

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

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

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cava

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Champagne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English Blanc de Blancs

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Marsala

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

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

Sercial

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

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

Madeira

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.

Sercial

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

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

Bual

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

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

Friulano

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

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

Greco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Friuli white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Austrian Riesling

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

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

Alsace Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vin Jaune

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valais Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sémillon

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

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

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Alsace Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Roussanne

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

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

Fiano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fiano di Avellino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fino and Manzanilla sherry

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.

Palo Cortado

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Godello

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

German dry Riesling (trocken)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Verdelho

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.

Weinviertel Grüner Veltliner

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

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

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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 both come from the same country.

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

Weinviertel Grüner Veltliner

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

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

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

curated

A 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 lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Sercial

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

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

Bual

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

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

Savagnin

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

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

Friulano

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

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

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.

Sercial

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

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

Bual

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

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

Savagnin

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

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

Friulano

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

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

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 more savoury, 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 lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.