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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 savoury or funky 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.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
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 savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
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 savoury or funky.
- 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 savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Macabeo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Roero Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Roero Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Müller-Thurgau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more neutral and subtle.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher.
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.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
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 more floral.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Štajerska Šipon
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.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Šipon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Prosecco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Sekt
Sekt scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Solaris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Maria Gomes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Müller-Thurgau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
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 fruitier, and sweeter.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Chardonnay
curatedThe structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
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 fresher.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more savoury.
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 more savoury.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
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 fresher.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more neutral and subtle.
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 fresher.
Franken Silvaner
Franken Silvaner scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 more floral.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Avesso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
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
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Trebbiano di Soave
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 fruitier, and more savoury.
Soave
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable texture and structure in an unoaked frame.
Expect: Rounder and more oak-influenced.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Pinot Grigio
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 fresher.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Roero Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Roero Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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 more savoury, and fresher.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
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 fruitier.
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.