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 buttery or thick, too austere and too alcoholic or warming.
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.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
English still white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
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 more floral.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Trebbiano Spoletino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Brda Rebula
Brda Rebula scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Valais Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and stiller.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Austrian Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
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.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and broader and softer.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in 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.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Savennières
Savennières scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
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.
Soave
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano di Soave
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Verdicchio
Both are made from verdicchio, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Soave
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano di Soave
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.