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 keeping how light and easy it feels and the floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too perfumed and too alcoholic or warming.
- 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.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
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.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Jacquère
Jacquère scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Hondarrabi Zuri
Hondarrabi Zuri scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
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 less floral.
Parellada
Parellada scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Loureiro
Loureiro scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Clairette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano
Fiano scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano
Fiano scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano di Avellino
Fiano di Avellino scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Albana
Albana scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Malagousia
Malagousia scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Arneis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
English Blanc de Blancs
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Arneis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Roero Arneis
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 lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Fiano
Fiano scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano di Avellino
Fiano di Avellino scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Loureiro
Loureiro scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Arneis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Soave
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, somewhere else
Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.
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.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Australian Riesling
Australian Riesling scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Albariño
Albariño scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Rías Baixas Albariño
Rías Baixas Albariño scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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.