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.

← Back to Grüner Veltliner

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.

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 that it is properly dry, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming, too savoury or funky and too peppery.

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.

Sauvignon Blanc

curated

Both are dry, high-acid, herbal whites with a green edge.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less peppery.

Godello

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less peppery.

German dry Riesling (trocken)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less peppery.

Vidiano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less peppery.

Grillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less peppery.

Fiano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less peppery.

Fiano di Avellino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less peppery.

Chilean Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less peppery.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Sauvignon Blanc

curated

Both are dry, high-acid, herbal whites with a green edge.

Expect: More pungently aromatic and fruit-driven, and far more widely available.

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.

Different grape, similar feel

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

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 structure

Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.

Similar but lighter

Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.

Picpoul de Pinet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Picpoul

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Hondarrabi Zuri

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

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

Txakoli

Txakoli 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.

Loureiro

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

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

Moschofilero

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

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

Mantinia Moschofilero

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

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

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.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Godello

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

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

Vidiano

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

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

Fiano

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

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

Fiano di Avellino

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

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.

Godello

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.

Fiano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fiano di Avellino

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 more savoury.

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.

Friuli white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

Istrian Malvazija

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

German dry Riesling (trocken)

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

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

Dry Furmint

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

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

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 more savoury.

Sauvignon Blanc

curated

Both are dry, high-acid, herbal whites with a green edge.

Expect: More pungently aromatic and fruit-driven, and far more widely available.

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 lighter in alcohol.

Pošip

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Antão Vaz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Marsanne

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.

Sekt

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

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

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Crémant

Crémant 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.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Verdelho

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less spicy.

Pfalz Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less spicy.

Alsace Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.

Grillo

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

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

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

Both are made from grüner veltliner, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Pecorino

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 more fruit-driven.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Chardonnay

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

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

Chilean Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dry Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Sauvignon Blanc

curated

Both are dry, high-acid, herbal whites with a green edge.

Expect: More pungently aromatic and fruit-driven, and far more widely available.

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fiano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Vin Jaune

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Savennières

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Pecorino

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

German dry Riesling (trocken)

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

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

Godello

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

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

Vidiano

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

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

Grillo

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

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.

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 more fruit-driven, 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 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 lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

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.

Sauvignon Blanc

curated

Both are dry, high-acid, herbal whites with a green edge.

Expect: More pungently aromatic and fruit-driven, and far more widely available.

German dry Riesling (trocken)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Chardonnay

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

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

White Burgundy

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Godello

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.

Fiano

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.

Godello

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.

Fiano

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.

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

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.