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 much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too light or thin 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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- 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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
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.
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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
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.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
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 lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Sekt
Sekt scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
English Blanc de Noirs
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Amontillado sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.
Palo Cortado
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
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 sweeter.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Godello
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
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.
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 lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
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.