If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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.
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 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.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sharp or lemony.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Pfalz Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sharp or lemony.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- 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.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fuller and richer.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Pfalz Riesling
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 more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fuller and richer.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Scheurebe
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 fruitier.
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.
Mosel Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Kabinett
Both are made from riesling, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Txakoli
Txakoli scores closest to Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Hondarrabi Zuri
Hondarrabi Zuri scores closest to Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Mosel Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Kabinett
Both are made from riesling, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fuller and richer.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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 more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
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.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fuller and richer.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Pfalz Riesling
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 more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Sekt
Both are made from riesling, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and drier.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Sauternes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fuller and richer.
Pfalz Riesling
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 more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Scheurebe
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 fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Friulano
Friulano scores closest to Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Douro white
Douro white scores closest to Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
Savagnin
Savagnin scores closest to Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
Encruzado
Encruzado scores closest to Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Scheurebe
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 fruitier.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Pfalz Riesling
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 more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fuller and richer.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedBoth are high-acid, unoaked central European whites of real precision.
Expect: Drier, more peppery and more savoury, with less floral fruit.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
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.
Alsace Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Austrian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
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 fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Alsace Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Austrian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Pfalz Riesling
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 more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Rheinhessen Riesling
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 more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
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 fruitier, and fresher.
Alsace Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Chenin Blanc
curatedBoth are high-acid varieties made across the full sweetness range with great ageing capacity.
Expect: Fuller and waxier, with quince and honey rather than lime and slate.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fuller and richer.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Pfalz Riesling
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 more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
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.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fuller and richer.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Pfalz Riesling
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 more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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 fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
Chenin Blanc
curatedBoth are high-acid varieties made across the full sweetness range with great ageing capacity.
Expect: Fuller and waxier, with quince and honey rather than lime and slate.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
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.