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 floral or soapy 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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Verdelho
Verdelho scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- 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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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 lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Hondarrabi Zuri
Hondarrabi Zuri scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Txakoli
Txakoli scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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
Riesling scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
Gros Manseng
Gros Manseng scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Petite Arvine
Petite Arvine scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli 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.
Gros Manseng
Gros Manseng scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Petite Arvine
Petite Arvine scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
German dry Riesling (trocken) scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Valais Petite Arvine
Valais Petite Arvine scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
English sparkling wine
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Sekt
Sekt scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Palo Cortado
Palo Cortado scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Chilean Chardonnay
Chilean Chardonnay scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, 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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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 more savoury.
Savennières
Savennières scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Friulano
Friulano scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
German dry Riesling (trocken) scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
German dry Riesling (trocken) scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
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.