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Wines like Vermentino
A saline, citrusy Mediterranean white grown in Sardinia, Liguria, Tuscany and Provence. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Vermentino?
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 herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- 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 alcoholic or warming and too green or grassy.
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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Soave Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
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.
Picpoul
curatedA comparably lean, saline southern French white.
Expect: Sharper and more citric.
Pinot Grigio
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Gavi
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Aligoté
Aligoté scores closest to Vermentino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
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.
Alpine white
Alpine white scores closest to Vermentino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Colombard
Colombard scores closest to Vermentino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne scores closest to Vermentino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Muscadet
Muscadet scores closest to Vermentino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Soave Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
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 in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Vermentino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
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 lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
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 in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Glera
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Franciacorta
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Vermentino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Vermentino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Blanc scores closest to Vermentino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
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 lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
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 riper and less green, and sweeter.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Vermentino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Vermentino across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
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.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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.
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.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
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.