If you like this, try…

Wines like Verdejo

Rueda’s white grape: citrusy and herbal with a distinctive bitter-almond finish. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Verdejo

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What do you like about Verdejo?

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 tropical fruit The herbal, green side How aromatic it is That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too tropical or sweet-smelling too light or thin too alcoholic or warming too green or grassy too perfumed too austere

Clear all

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.
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 herbal, green side: Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
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.
That it is properly dry: No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.

Looking for something keeping how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too green or grassy, too tropical or sweet-smelling and too light or thin.

You said you like how much it smells of, before you even taste it and that it is too tropical or sweet-smelling. Both are about aromatic intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.

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.

Vermentino

curated

Shares the citrus-and-bitter-herb profile.

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less green or grassy.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
About as light or thin as the wine you started from.

Douro white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less green or grassy.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Substantially less light or thin.

Encruzado

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less green or grassy.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Substantially less light or thin.

Friuli white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less green or grassy.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Substantially less light or thin.

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less green or grassy.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Substantially less light or thin.

Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Substantially less light or thin.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Substantially less light or thin.

Greco di Tufo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Substantially less light or thin.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Vermentino

curated

Shares the citrus-and-bitter-herb profile.

Expect: More saline and Mediterranean in character.

Douro white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Encruzado

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Friuli white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Douro white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Encruzado

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Friuli white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.

Parellada

Both come from the same country.

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

Alpine white

Alpine white scores closest to Verdejo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Trebbiano Romagnolo

Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Verdejo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Colombard

Colombard scores closest to Verdejo 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.

Alpine white

Alpine white scores closest to Verdejo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Colombard

Colombard scores closest to Verdejo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Vinho Verde

Vinho Verde scores closest to Verdejo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Hunter Valley Semillon

Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Verdejo 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.

Douro white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

Encruzado

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

Friuli white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

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.

Douro white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Encruzado

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Friuli white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Kisi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Rkatsiteli

Rkatsiteli scores closest to Verdejo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

Malvasia

Malvasia scores closest to Verdejo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.

Greco di Tufo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.

Savennières

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.

Similar but softer

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

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Grenache Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

The sparkling version

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

Cava

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

Corpinnat

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

Crémant

Crémant scores closest to Verdejo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

English sparkling wine

English sparkling wine scores closest to Verdejo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

Similar but sweeter

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

Vin Santo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.

Recioto della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

Madeira

Madeira scores closest to Verdejo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Marsala

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

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.

Greco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Grenache Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.

Kisi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Friuli white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Vin Jaune

Vin Jaune scores closest to Verdejo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.

Condrieu

Condrieu scores closest to Verdejo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Viognier

Viognier scores closest to Verdejo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Sauvignon Blanc

curated

The closest widely available equivalent, and often blended with it in Rueda.

Expect: More pungently aromatic, without the bitter-almond finish.

Similar but more restrained

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

Douro white

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Encruzado

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

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 riper and less green, and lighter.

Alsace Pinot Gris

Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Verdejo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.

Malagousia

Malagousia scores closest to Verdejo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Fiano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Similar but more savoury

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

Savennières

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Friuli white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Similar but fruitier

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

Petit Manseng

Petit Manseng scores closest to Verdejo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

Condrieu

Condrieu scores closest to Verdejo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Viognier

Viognier scores closest to Verdejo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Pedro Ximénez

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Rueda Verdejo

Both are made from verdejo, and both come from the same country.

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Rueda Verdejo

Both are made from verdejo, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

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 riper and less green, and lighter.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Something more adventurous

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

Vermentino

curated

Shares the citrus-and-bitter-herb profile.

Expect: More saline and Mediterranean in character.

Douro white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Encruzado

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Friuli white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.

Douro white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Encruzado

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Friuli white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 lighter, and riper and less green.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

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.