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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 alcoholic or warming, too light or thin and too buttery or thick.
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.
Friuli white
Both are made from pinot gris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
Soave Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
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.
Fiano
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.
Fiano di Avellino
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.
Soave Classico
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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Fiano
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.
Fiano di Avellino
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.
Soave Classico
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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
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 both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Gavi
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Welsh white wine
Welsh white wine scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Pinot Gris 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.
Friuli white
Both are made from pinot gris, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
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.
Fiano
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.
Fiano di Avellino
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.
Soave Classico
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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
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.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 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.
Fiano
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.
Fiano di Avellino
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.
Soave Classico
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.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
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.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Cava
Cava scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
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.
Oloroso sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and stronger and warmer.
Fiano
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.
Fiano di Avellino
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.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
Recioto della Valpolicella
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 sweeter.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Vinsanto (Santorini) 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.
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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
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.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alsace Riesling
Alsace Riesling scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
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
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
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, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alsace Riesling
Alsace Riesling scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
curatedThe other great Alsace textural white, for someone who wants far more perfume.
Expect: Dramatically more aromatic — lychee and rose — with lower acidity.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
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.
Soave Classico
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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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.
Savennières
Savennières scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Pinot Gris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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 lighter in alcohol.
English still white
Both are made from pinot gris.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both are made from pinot gris.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
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 lighter.
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 lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
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.
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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.
Fiano
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.
Fiano di Avellino
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.
Soave Classico
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.
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
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.
Fiano
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.
Fiano di Avellino
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.
Soave Classico
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.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
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.
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.
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.