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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 light or thin, too tropical or sweet-smelling, too alcoholic or warming and too sharp or lemony.
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.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- More tropical or sweet-smelling, not less.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- More tropical or sweet-smelling, not less.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both are made from pinot gris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- More tropical or sweet-smelling, not less.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Gewürztraminer
curatedThe other great Alsace textural white, for someone who wants far more perfume.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- More tropical or sweet-smelling, not less.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Friuli white
Both are made from pinot gris, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- More sharp or lemony, not less.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- More tropical or sweet-smelling, not less.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Change the structure
Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.
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.
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.
Friuli white
Both are made from pinot gris, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
Both are made from pinot gris, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Istrian Malvazija
Istrian Malvazija scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Friuli white
Both are made from pinot gris, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Douro white
Douro white scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Glera
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Cava
Cava scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Franciacorta
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Palo Cortado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Oloroso sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both are made from pinot gris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Pedro Ximénez sherry scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Friuli white
Both are made from pinot gris, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gewürztraminer
curatedThe other great Alsace textural white, for someone who wants far more perfume.
Expect: Dramatically more aromatic — lychee and rose — with lower acidity.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both are made from pinot gris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Chasselas
Chasselas scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Pinot Blanc
curatedAnother Pinot mutation, making similarly gentle, low-aromatic whites.
Expect: Drier and slightly leaner, with more apple and less honey.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Friuli white
Both are made from pinot gris, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both are made from pinot gris.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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 both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
English still white
Both are made from pinot gris.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Friuli white
Both are made from pinot gris, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both are made from pinot gris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both are made from pinot gris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both are made from pinot gris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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.