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.
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.
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 floral or soapy, too perfumed 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.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
curatedThe other great dry Riesling category.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Retsina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Verdicchio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Vermentino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Slavonian Graševina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Ribolla Gialla
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Catarratto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- 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.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
curatedThe other great dry Riesling category.
Expect: A touch rounder and less overtly limey.
Retsina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Brda Rebula
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.
Verdicchio
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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Retsina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Brda Rebula
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.
Verdicchio
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.
Vermentino
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.
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.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Koshu
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Txakoli
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Alpine white
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Txakoli
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Colombard
Colombard scores closest to Australian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Savagnin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
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.
Verdicchio
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.
Vermentino
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.
Slavonian Graševina
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.
Catarratto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Brda Rebula
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.
Ribolla Gialla
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Tsolikouri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Verdicchio
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.
Vermentino
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.
Slavonian Graševina
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.
Catarratto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Australian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Australian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
California traditional-method sparkling
California traditional-method sparkling scores closest to Australian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Slavonian Graševina
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.
Graševina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Brda Rebula
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Verdicchio
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Vermentino
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Slavonian Graševina
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Australian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Falanghina
Falanghina scores closest to Australian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Aidani
Aidani scores closest to Australian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Brda Rebula
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.
Verdicchio
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.
Vermentino
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.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Franken Silvaner
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Retsina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Australian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Australian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Australian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Australian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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.
Rheinhessen Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Pfalz Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
curatedThe other great dry Riesling category.
Expect: A touch rounder and less overtly limey.
Austrian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
curatedThe other great dry Riesling category.
Expect: A touch rounder and less overtly limey.
Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Nahe Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
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 neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Austrian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Rheinhessen Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
curatedThe other great dry Riesling category.
Expect: A touch rounder and less overtly limey.
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.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Retsina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Brda Rebula
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.
Verdicchio
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.
Vermentino
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.
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.
Retsina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Brda Rebula
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.
Verdicchio
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.
Vermentino
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.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Australian Chardonnay
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Australian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
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.