If you like this, try…
Wines like Hondarrabi Zuri
The Basque white variety behind Txakoli — sharply acidic, low in alcohol and slightly spritzy. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Hondarrabi Zuri?
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
- The citrus and orchard fruit
- Lemon, lime, green apple, pear. The signature of a cool-climate white — quieter and less perfumed than tropical fruit, and a different thing from the acidity it usually travels with.
- 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.
- How fresh and crisp it is
- Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- 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 not too alcoholic and how light and easy it feels, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too sharp or lemony.
- You said you like how light and easy it feels and that it is too alcoholic or warming. Both are about alcohol, 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.
Roditis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sharp or lemony.
Txakoli
Both are made from hondarrabi zuri, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Phoenix
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Roditis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Txakoli
Both are made from hondarrabi zuri, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Roditis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Phoenix
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
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.
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.
Txakoli
Both are made from hondarrabi zuri, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Jacquère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
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.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Txakoli
Both are made from hondarrabi zuri, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
White Bordeaux
White Bordeaux scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Roditis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Friulano
Friulano scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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 Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Roditis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Xarel·lo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Ribolla Gialla
Ribolla Gialla scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Xarel·lo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Verdicchio
Verdicchio scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
English Blanc de Blancs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
The still version
Moves from sparkling to still while keeping the grape and flavour family intact.
Roditis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Phoenix
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Phoenix
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Phoenix
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Jacquère
Jacquère scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Palomino Fino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Phoenix
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Palomino Fino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.
Muscadet
Muscadet scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Phoenix
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Falanghina
Falanghina scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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.
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.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
Albariño
curatedBoth are high-acid Atlantic Iberian whites made for seafood.
Expect: More stone fruit, body and aromatic weight.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Roditis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Txakoli
Both are made from hondarrabi zuri, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Phoenix
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
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.
Roditis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Txakoli
Both are made from hondarrabi zuri, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Phoenix
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Grüner Veltliner
Grüner Veltliner scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Chablis
Chablis scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Hondarrabi Zuri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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.