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 that the fruit is not covered in oak and how light and easy it feels, while moving away from too floral or soapy and too perfumed.
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.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Seyval Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Roditis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Picpoul de Pinet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Picpoul
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Hondarrabi Zuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Txakoli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Melon de Bourgogne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Grechetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Xarel·lo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Altesse
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Ribolla Gialla
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Seyval Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Tsolikouri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Melon de Bourgogne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Athiri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
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 more floral, and leaner and more cutting.
English Blanc de Blancs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
English Blanc de Noirs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more restrained in fruit.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Roditis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Picpoul de Pinet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
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 restrained in fruit.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Verdicchio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
English still white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Aligoté
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
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 more floral.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero 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 more floral.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Cortese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Melon de Bourgogne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
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 more aromatic.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Picpoul de Pinet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Picpoul
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Hunter Valley Semillon
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.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
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 more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more sparkling.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Seyval Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Roditis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
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.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Seyval Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Roditis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Australian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Chablis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Grüner Veltliner
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 more oaky, 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.