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, the tropical, exotic fruit and how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while 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.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Gros Manseng
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.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Gros Manseng
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.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more 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.
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 neutral and subtle.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Colombard
Colombard 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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more 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.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Pecorino
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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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 more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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 aromatic, and more floral.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
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.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Gros Manseng
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.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Austrian Riesling
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Australian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
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.