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 peppery, spicy character, while moving away from too peppery, too green or grassy and too austere.
- You said you like the peppery, spicy character and that it is too peppery. Both are about spice, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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.
Riesling
curatedIts constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- 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.
Riesling
curatedIts constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.
Expect: More floral and citrus-driven, and sometimes off-dry.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Riesling
curatedIts constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.
Expect: More floral and citrus-driven, and sometimes off-dry.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Riesling
curatedIts constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.
Expect: More floral and citrus-driven, and sometimes off-dry.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
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.
Riesling
curatedIts constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.
Expect: More floral and citrus-driven, and sometimes off-dry.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Riesling
curatedIts constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.
Expect: More floral and citrus-driven, and sometimes off-dry.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green, and spicier.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
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 less spicy, and drier.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Riesling
curatedIts constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.
Expect: More floral and citrus-driven, and sometimes off-dry.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Riesling
curatedIts constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.
Expect: More floral and citrus-driven, and sometimes off-dry.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Riesling
curatedIts constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.
Expect: More floral and citrus-driven, and sometimes off-dry.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Seyval Blanc
Seyval Blanc scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Riesling
curatedIts constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.
Expect: More floral and citrus-driven, and sometimes off-dry.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 drier, and riper and less green.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Trebbiano Toscano
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.
Riesling
curatedIts constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.
Expect: More floral and citrus-driven, and sometimes off-dry.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
Both are made from grüner veltliner, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Grüner Veltliner
Both are made from grüner veltliner, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Weinviertel Grüner Veltliner
Both are made from grüner veltliner, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Riesling
curatedIts constant neighbour in Austria, with the same precision and unoaked purity.
Expect: More floral and citrus-driven, and sometimes off-dry.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less spicy.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and riper and less green.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
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 less spicy.
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.