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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.
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 keeping that it is properly dry, while moving away from too buttery or thick and too sharp or lemony.
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.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Garganega
curatedThe same variety under another name in Soave, in a gentler style.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Roero Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable texture and structure in an unoaked frame.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Hondarrabi Zuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Jacquère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Colombard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
Melon de Bourgogne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Savagnin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable texture and structure in an unoaked frame.
Expect: Rounder and more oak-influenced.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
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 fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Etna Bianco
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.
Carricante
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 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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Auxerrois
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Pošip
Pošip scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and sweeter.
English Blanc de Blancs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and sweeter.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and sweeter.
Glera
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more neutral and subtle.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Garganega
curatedThe same variety under another name in Soave, in a gentler style.
Expect: Softer and less structured.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
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.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Chardonnay
curatedThey occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Friuli white
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 softer and rounder.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
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 fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
Pouilly-Fumé
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Falanghina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
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 fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
Falanghina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more neutral and subtle.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Avesso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Falanghina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Soave Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
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 fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Soave
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Trebbiano di Soave
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable texture and structure in an unoaked frame.
Expect: Rounder and more oak-influenced.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
Pouilly-Fumé
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.