If you like this, try…

Wines like Australian Riesling

Bone dry, intensely limey and steely — a category of its own, with almost nothing in common with German Riesling beyond the grape. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Australian Riesling

Refine

What do you like about Australian Riesling?

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 citrus and orchard fruit The tropical fruit How fresh and crisp it is That it is not oaky How aromatic it is That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or lemony too sharp or acidic too plain or too simple too floral or soapy too perfumed 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.
The tropical fruit: Passionfruit, mango, pineapple, guava. It comes from riper fruit and warmer sites, and it is the difference between Marlborough and Sancerre in the same grape.
How fresh and crisp it is: Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
That it is not oaky: No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
How aromatic it is: Some grapes announce themselves from across the room — Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc. Others are far quieter, and quiet is not the same as dull.
The floral character: Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
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 perfumed.

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.

Picpoul de Pinet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Substantially less perfumed.

Gavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Substantially less perfumed.

Pinot Grigio

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Substantially less perfumed.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Substantially less perfumed.

Chablis

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Substantially less perfumed.

Hunter Valley Semillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Substantially less perfumed.

Soave

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Substantially less perfumed.

Etna Bianco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Substantially less perfumed.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Picpoul de Pinet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.

Gavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.

Pinot Grigio

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Picpoul de Pinet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.

Gavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.

Pinot Grigio

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

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.

Alpine white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Hondarrabi Zuri

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

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

Hunter Valley Semillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Jacquère

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.

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.

Hunter Valley Semillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Alpine white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Vinho Verde

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Muscadet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Greco di Tufo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Santorini Assyrtiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.

Soave Classico

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Greco

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Chablis

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Hunter Valley Semillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Soave

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Rkatsiteli

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Brda Rebula

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Kisi

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Trebbiano Spoletino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but softer

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

Altesse

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Arneis

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

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

Athiri

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

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

Avesso

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

The sparkling version

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

Austrian Sekt

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Glera

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.

Australian traditional-method sparkling

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

Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Crémant

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.

Welschriesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Vinho Verde

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Australian Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more restrained in fruit.

Chilean Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Clairette

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

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

Glera

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

Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and softer and rounder.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Soave

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Alpine white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Arinto

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Brda Rebula

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.

Carricante

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less floral.

Similar but more floral

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

Loureiro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mosel Riesling

curated

The same grape at the opposite end of the sweetness and alcohol spectrum.

Expect: Off-dry, much lower in alcohol and far more delicate.

Alsace Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less floral.

Spätlese

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Aligoté

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Alpine white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Altesse

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Arinto

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Franken Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.

Savennières

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Chablis

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Hunter Valley Semillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

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 sweeter, and softer and rounder.

Spätlese

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petit Manseng

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Coteaux du Layon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, somewhere else

Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.

German dry Riesling (trocken)

curated

The other great dry Riesling category.

Expect: A touch rounder and less overtly limey.

Alsace Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mosel Riesling

curated

The same grape at the opposite end of the sweetness and alcohol spectrum.

Expect: Off-dry, much lower in alcohol and far more delicate.

Nahe Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Mosel Riesling

curated

The same grape at the opposite end of the sweetness and alcohol spectrum.

Expect: Off-dry, much lower in alcohol and far more delicate.

Finger Lakes Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Kabinett

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Austrian Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Spätlese

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rheinhessen Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.

Pinot Grigio

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.

Chablis

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Vinho Verde

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Something more adventurous

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

Picpoul de Pinet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.

Gavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Hunter Valley Semillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

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.

Picpoul de Pinet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.

Gavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Hunter Valley Semillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

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, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Australian Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.