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 that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too floral or soapy 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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- 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 fuller and richer.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 fuller and richer.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 lighter.
Hondarrabi Zuri
Hondarrabi Zuri scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Txakoli
Txakoli scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Kabinett
Kabinett 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.
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.
Colombard
Colombard scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne 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.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Grechetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Xarel·lo
Xarel·lo 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.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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 lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Albana
Albana 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.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Picpoul de Pinet
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.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Auxerrois
Auxerrois scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
English Blanc de Blancs
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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 oaky.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Fiano
Fiano scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Fiano di Avellino
Fiano di Avellino scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Roussanne
Roussanne scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fuller and richer.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Palomino Fino
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 floral, 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 floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fuller and richer.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero 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.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Verdelho
Verdelho scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 fuller and richer.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Pecorino
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.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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 oaky.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
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 fuller and richer.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Grillo
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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Grillo
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.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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 fuller and richer.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.