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 and how light and easy it feels, while moving away from too tropical or sweet-smelling and too plain or too simple.
- You said you like that the fruit is not covered in oak and that it is too plain or too simple. Both are about oak influence, 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.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from phoenix, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Aligoté
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Gavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- 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.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from phoenix, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Aligoté
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Aligoté
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.
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, and less oaky.
Txakoli
Txakoli scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Jacquère
Jacquère scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Colombard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Aligoté
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Alpine white
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.
Auxerrois
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Roero Arneis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Macabeo
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.
English Blanc de Blancs
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Cava
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Aligoté
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Gavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
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 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.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Aligoté
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Torrontés
Torrontés 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.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Aligoté
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Aligoté
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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 Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Chablis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from phoenix, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Aligoté
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from phoenix, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Aligoté
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more neutral and subtle.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Chablis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.