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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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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.

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 light or thin, too alcoholic or warming, 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.

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Viognier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Pedro Ximénez

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
A little less savoury or funky.

Malagousia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Roussanne

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less sharp or lemony.
A little less savoury or funky.

Pošip

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
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.

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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.

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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.

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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.

Aidani

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

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

Phoenix

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

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.

Condrieu

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Viognier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Condrieu

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.

Viognier

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.

Pedro Ximénez

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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.

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.

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Pedro Ximénez

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Kisi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Friuli white

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Petit Manseng

Petit Manseng scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Gros Manseng

Gros Manseng scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Petite Arvine

Petite Arvine scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Austrian Riesling

Austrian Riesling scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Condrieu

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.

Viognier

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.

Pedro Ximénez

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Glera

Both come from the same country.

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

Sekt

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Franciacorta

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Moscatel de Setúbal

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Recioto della Valpolicella

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

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.

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Pedro Ximénez

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Malagousia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

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 lighter, and more savoury.

Chilean Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and broader and softer.

Viognier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and broader and softer.

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Malagousia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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 lighter.

Sémillon

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

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

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.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and broader and softer.

Viognier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and broader and softer.

Malagousia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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 lighter.

Friuli white

Both come from the same country.

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

Savennières

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.

White Burgundy

White Burgundy scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Viognier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Trebbiano di Soave

Both come from the same country.

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

Soave Classico

Both come from the same country.

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

Verdicchio

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

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

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 lighter, and more savoury.

Trebbiano di Soave

Both come from the same country.

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

Verdicchio

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable texture and structure in an unoaked frame.

Expect: Rounder and more oak-influenced.

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

South African Chenin Blanc

South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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.

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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.

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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.

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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 lighter, and more savoury.

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

South African Chenin Blanc

South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

White Burgundy

White Burgundy scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.