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.
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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 alcoholic or warming, too tropical or sweet-smelling, too light or thin 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Encruzado
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Alpine white
Alpine white scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Colombard
Colombard scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Cava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Corpinnat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
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 less oaky, and more aromatic.
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 less oaky, and more aromatic.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Encruzado
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
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 fruitier, and less oaky.
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.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 fruitier, and less floral.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
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.