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Wines like Riesling

The most transparent and longest-lived white variety, made from bone dry to intensely sweet and almost never oaked. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Riesling?

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.

I like…

The citrus and orchard fruit How light it is That it is not too strong How fresh and crisp it is That it is not oaky How aromatic it is

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or lemony too light or thin too alcoholic or warming too sharp or acidic too floral or soapy too sweet

Clear all

What these words mean

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.
How fresh and crisp it is: Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
That it is not oaky: No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
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.
The floral character: Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
The touch of sweetness: Actual sugar left in the wine, which is a different thing from tasting fruity. A wine can smell of ripe peach and be completely dry.

Looking for something keeping how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too light or thin 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.

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Austrian Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Petit Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Malagousia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Roussanne

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less light or thin.
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.

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Austrian Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Petit Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Petit Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

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.

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Austrian Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Petit Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

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.

Austrian Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Petit Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

German dry Riesling (trocken)

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Alsace Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Alsace Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Antão Vaz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Assyrtiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Austrian Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Petit Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Kisi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Friuli white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.

Antão Vaz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

California Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sekt

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Champagne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Austrian Sekt

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Albariño

curated

For a Riesling drinker who wants reliable dryness with the same crispness.

Expect: Less aromatic and more saline, with stone fruit in place of lime.

Alsace Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Amontillado sherry

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.

Antão Vaz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Coteaux du Layon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.

Vinsanto (Santorini)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.

Vin Santo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Moscatel de Setúbal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

California Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Chilean Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.

Gewürztraminer

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.

Viognier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Assyrtiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

South African Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Godello

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Santorini Assyrtiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more savoury.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Gewürztraminer

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.

Muscat of Alexandria

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.

Viognier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Antão Vaz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Assyrtiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Austrian Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Austrian Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Savennières

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Vin Jaune

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Petit Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Muscat of Alexandria

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.

Gewürztraminer

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.

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.

Austrian Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Alsace Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Australian Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Finger Lakes Riesling

Both are made from riesling.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Austrian Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

German dry Riesling (trocken)

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Alsace Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Austrian Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

German dry Riesling (trocken)

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Alsace Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

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.

German dry Riesling (trocken)

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

South African Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Santorini Assyrtiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more savoury.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Austrian Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Petit Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

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.

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Austrian Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Petit Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

California Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.

German dry Riesling (trocken)

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Santorini Assyrtiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

How these are chosen

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.