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 keeping the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, while moving away from too light or thin, too sharp or lemony and too buttery or thick.
- You said you like the creamy, rounded mouthfeel and that it is too buttery or thick. Both are about texture, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the creamy, rounded mouthfeel and that it is too buttery or thick. Both are about acidity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable texture and structure in an unoaked frame.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- A little less light or thin.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Garganega
curatedThe same variety under another name in Soave, in a gentler style.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- A little less buttery or thick.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Savagnin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick 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.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable texture and structure in an unoaked frame.
Expect: Rounder and more oak-influenced.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Garganega
curatedThe same variety under another name in Soave, in a gentler style.
Expect: Softer and less structured.
Roussanne
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.
Vin Jaune
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Verdicchio 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.
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.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Savagnin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
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.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
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.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
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.
Chardonnay
curatedThey occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris 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 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.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Savagnin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Vidal
Vidal scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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.
Verdicchio
Both are made from verdicchio, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
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.
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.
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.
Trebbiano di Soave
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
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.
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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
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.
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.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
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.
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.
Australian Chardonnay
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.
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.