If you like this, try…
Wines like Pinot Gris
A pink-skinned mutation of Pinot Noir that makes two utterly different wines depending on whether the label says Gris or Grigio. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Pinot Gris?
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.
- The citrus and orchard fruit
- Lemon, lime, green apple, pear. The signature of a cool-climate white — quieter and less perfumed than tropical fruit, and a different thing from the acidity it usually travels with.
- 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.
- The creamy, rounded texture
- A soft, almost dairy-like roundness. In white wine it usually comes from malolactic fermentation or from time on the lees, not from the grape.
Looking for something moving away from too buttery or thick 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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Pinot Grigio
Both are made from pinot gris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Garganega
curatedSoave’s grape occupies similar territory — light, dry, textured Italian white — with more character.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- 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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Pinot Grigio
Both are made from pinot gris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Pinot Grigio
Both are made from pinot gris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
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.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Friuli white
Both are made from pinot gris, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Fiano di Avellino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
Both are made from pinot gris, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Pinot Grigio
Both are made from pinot gris, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Gewürztraminer
curatedThe other great Alsace textural white, for someone who wants far more perfume.
Expect: Dramatically more aromatic — lychee and rose — with lower acidity.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cava
Cava scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Pinot Grigio
Both are made from pinot gris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Pinot Grigio
Both are made from pinot gris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Friuli white
Both are made from pinot gris, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
Chilean Chardonnay scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Pinot Grigio
Both are made from pinot gris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Pinot Blanc
curatedAnother Pinot mutation, making similarly gentle, low-aromatic whites.
Expect: Drier and slightly leaner, with more apple and less honey.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Garganega
curatedSoave’s grape occupies similar territory — light, dry, textured Italian white — with more character.
Expect: More almond and savoury depth, and considerably more interesting.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Pinot Grigio
Both are made from pinot gris, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
English still white
Both are made from pinot gris.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Friuli white
Both are made from pinot gris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both are made from pinot gris.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Friuli white
Both are made from pinot gris, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Grigio
Both are made from pinot gris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
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.
Pinot Grigio
Both are made from pinot gris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
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.