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Wines like Verdicchio

One of Italy’s most structured and ageworthy white varieties, from the Marche. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Verdicchio?

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 creamy, rounded texture That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or lemony too light or thin too alcoholic or warming too buttery or thick too savoury or funky too austere

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.
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.
The savoury, meaty side: Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
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 moving away from too sharp or lemony, 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.

Vin Jaune

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less light or thin.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable texture and structure in an unoaked frame.

About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
A little less light or thin.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less sharp or lemony.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Garganega

curated

The same variety under another name in Soave, in a gentler style.

About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
A little less buttery or thick.

Savagnin

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Substantially less light or thin.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less light or thin.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Substantially less light or thin.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.

Verdelho

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
A little less light or thin.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable texture and structure in an unoaked frame.

Expect: Rounder and more oak-influenced.

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Garganega

curated

The same variety under another name in Soave, in a gentler style.

Expect: Softer and less structured.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Vin Jaune

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Savagnin

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Roussanne

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.

Trebbiano Romagnolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Trebbiano Toscano

Both come from the same country.

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

Müller-Thurgau

Müller-Thurgau scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Koshu

Koshu scores closest to Verdicchio 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 Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Alpine white

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

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

Colombard

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

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

Trebbiano Romagnolo

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Vin Jaune

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Condrieu

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

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

Viognier

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

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

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Verdicchio 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.

Vin Jaune

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Savagnin

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

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.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Friuli white

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.

Istrian Malvazija

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Vin Jaune

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Greco di Tufo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Greco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

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 softer and rounder, and lighter.

Alsace Pinot Gris

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

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

Malvasia

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

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

Malagousia

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

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

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 Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Crémant

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Sekt

Sekt scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Similar but sweeter

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

Madeira

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

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 fruitier.

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Verdelho

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Pecorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Chardonnay

California Chardonnay scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Friuli white

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.

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vin Jaune

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

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

Palomino Fino scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Chasselas

Chasselas scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

Both come from the same country.

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Both come from the same country.

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

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Sancerre

Sancerre scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Similar but more savoury

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

Vin Jaune

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Savagnin

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Savennières

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Similar but fruitier

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

Malvasia

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

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

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

Wachau Grüner Veltliner scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Malagousia

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

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Soave

Both come from the same country.

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

Trebbiano di Soave

Both come from the same country.

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

Verdicchio

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

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

Soave Classico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Soave Classico

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Soave

Both come from the same country.

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

Trebbiano di Soave

Both come from the same country.

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

Verdicchio

Both are made from verdicchio, and 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.

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable texture and structure in an unoaked frame.

Expect: Rounder and more oak-influenced.

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Pinot Gris

Both come from the same country.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Vin Jaune

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Savagnin

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Roussanne

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.

Vin Jaune

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Savagnin

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Roussanne

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.

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

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.