If you like this, try…
Wines like Phoenix
A disease-resistant German crossing grown in the UK for aromatic still whites. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Phoenix?
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 tropical fruit
- Passionfruit, mango, pineapple, guava. It comes from riper fruit and warmer sites, and it is the difference between Marlborough and Sancerre in the same grape.
- 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.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- How aromatic it is
- Some grapes announce themselves from across the room — Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc. Others are far quieter, and quiet is not the same as dull.
Looking for something moving away from too perfumed, too light or thin and too alcoholic or warming.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Vidiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Soave Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
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 sweeter, and less floral.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
English Blanc de Noirs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
California traditional-method sparkling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Vidiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more savoury.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more savoury.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
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.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
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.