If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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.
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 and too savoury or funky.
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.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
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.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more restrained in fruit.
Phoenix
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
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.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and sweeter.
Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more aromatic.
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 sweeter, and spicier.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and sweeter.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and sweeter.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and sweeter.
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 sweeter, and spicier.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more aromatic.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more restrained in fruit.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
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.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and leaner and more cutting.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fuller and richer.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Blanc scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more savoury.
Trebbiano Toscano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more neutral and subtle.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Retsina
Retsina scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
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.
Trebbiano di Soave
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more restrained in fruit.
Verdicchio
Both are made from verdicchio, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Soave
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Soave Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Trebbiano di Soave
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
Verdicchio
Both are made from verdicchio, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Soave
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
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.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable texture and structure in an unoaked frame.
Expect: Rounder and more oak-influenced.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more restrained in fruit.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
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.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable texture and structure in an unoaked frame.
Expect: Rounder and more oak-influenced.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
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.