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 the floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming, too tropical or sweet-smelling, too perfumed and too plain or too simple.
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.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Soave
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Clairette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- About as plain or too simple 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.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
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.
Hondarrabi Zuri
Hondarrabi Zuri scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Txakoli
Txakoli scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Jacquère
Jacquère scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
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
Vinho Verde scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Alpine white
Alpine white scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Parellada
Parellada scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Koshu
Koshu 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.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
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.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Brda Rebula
Brda Rebula scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Greco di Tufo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Clairette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Cava
Cava scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
English sparkling wine
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
English Blanc de Blancs
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
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 aromatic, and less oaky.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chenin Blanc
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.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
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.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
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.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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.