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.
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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 floral or soapy.
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.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from phoenix, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from phoenix, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more oaky.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
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.
Jacquère
Jacquère scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Hondarrabi Zuri
Hondarrabi Zuri scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
Txakoli
Txakoli scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher and more acidic.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fresher and more acidic.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
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.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Albana
Albana scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Malvazija Istarska
Malvazija Istarska scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more savoury.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and leaner and more cutting.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fuller and richer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
English Blanc de Blancs
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
Sekt
Sekt scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
English sparkling wine
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
White Bordeaux
White Bordeaux scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and sweeter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
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 floral, and sweeter.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher and more acidic.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from phoenix, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more neutral and subtle.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Garganega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Soave
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher and more acidic.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
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.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from phoenix, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more oaky.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from phoenix, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more oaky.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Australian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
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.