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 the fruit is not covered in oak and that it is properly dry, while moving away from too light or thin, too buttery or thick 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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Šipon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Avesso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Macabeo
curatedIts partner in Cava, and the obvious comparison.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- A little 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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Šipon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Šipon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
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.
Loureiro
Loureiro scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Colombard
Colombard scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Xarel·lo 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.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Colombard
Colombard scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Trebbiano Spoletino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Šipon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Antão Vaz
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.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Condrieu
Condrieu 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.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Austrian Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Godello
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Vidiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
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, and softer and rounder.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Cortese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
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, and softer and rounder.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Falanghina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Savennières
Savennières scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Carricante
Carricante scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Juhfark
Juhfark scores closest to Xarel·lo 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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
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.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Šipon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Šipon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
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.