If you like this, try…
Wines like Verdelho
A medium-dry Madeira variety, also grown in Australia as a still dry white. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Verdelho?
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 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.
- How full and weighty it is
- Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
- 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 oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
Looking for something keeping that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too tropical or sweet-smelling and too light or thin.
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.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- A little less light or thin.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- A little less light or thin.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- A little less light or thin.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- A little less light or thin.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- A little less light or thin.
Greco di Tufo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- A little less light or thin.
Savagnin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- A little 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.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.
Cortese
Cortese scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Seyval Blanc
Seyval Blanc scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne scores closest to Verdelho 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.
Arinto
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Ribolla Gialla
Ribolla Gialla scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Carricante
Carricante scores closest to Verdelho 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.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
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 lighter, and fruitier.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Ribolla Gialla
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Spoletino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Greco di Tufo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Corpinnat
Corpinnat scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Cava
Cava scores closest to Verdelho 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.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Madeira
Both are made from verdelho, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Greco di Tufo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Savagnin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malagousia
Malagousia scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Roussanne
Roussanne scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Austrian Riesling
Austrian Riesling scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Alsace Riesling
Alsace Riesling scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Cortese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malagousia
Malagousia scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Roussanne
Roussanne scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Alsace Riesling
Alsace Riesling scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Clairette
Clairette scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Chablis
Chablis scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Verdelho across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.