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, too perfumed, too plain or too simple 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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
New Zealand Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- 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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
New Zealand Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
New Zealand Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Hondarrabi Zuri
Hondarrabi Zuri scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Txakoli
Txakoli scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Jacquère
Jacquère scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
English still white
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
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.
Alpine white
Alpine white scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Colombard
Colombard scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
New Zealand Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
New Zealand Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 less oaky, and less floral.
Istrian Malvazija
Istrian Malvazija scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Brda Rebula
Brda Rebula scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Greco di Tufo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
English sparkling wine
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
English Blanc de Blancs
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
English Blanc de Noirs
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
New Zealand Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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 less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Savennières
Savennières scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chenin Blanc
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.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
New Zealand Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
New Zealand Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
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.