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, how much it smells of, before you even taste it and how light and easy it feels, while moving away from 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.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- 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 the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- 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.
English Bacchus
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 more herbal and green.
Bacchus
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 more herbal and green.
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 less floral.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
English Bacchus
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 more herbal and green.
Bacchus
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 more herbal and green.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
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, and less oaky.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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.
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.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling 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.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
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.
English Bacchus
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 more herbal and green.
Bacchus
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 more herbal and green.
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 less floral.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Istrian Malvazija
Istrian Malvazija scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Brda Rebula
Brda Rebula scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
Roussanne
Roussanne scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Ortega
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.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Prosecco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and broader and softer.
Ortega
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.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
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.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Roero Arneis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
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 less floral.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Phoenix across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
English Bacchus
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 more herbal and green.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Bacchus
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 more herbal and green.
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 less floral.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more 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.
Bacchus
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 more herbal and green.
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 less floral.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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.