If you like this, try…
Wines like Xarel·lo
The most structured of the three Cava grapes, giving body, acidity and ageing capacity. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Xarel·lo?
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
- 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.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- 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 alcoholic or warming.
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.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and broader and softer.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and broader and softer.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
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.
Aligoté
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Picpoul de Pinet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Cortese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Picpoul
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
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.
Hondarrabi Zuri
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Colombard
Colombard scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Alpine white
Alpine white scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and broader and softer.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Trebbiano Spoletino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Antão Vaz
Antão Vaz scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pošip
Pošip scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Roussanne
Roussanne scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malagousia
Malagousia scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Austrian Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
English Blanc de Blancs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 broader and softer.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Albariño
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 more oaky.
Rías Baixas Albariño
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 more oaky.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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 sweeter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
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)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Albariño
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 more floral.
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 sweeter, and broader and softer.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
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 sweeter, and broader and softer.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
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.