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 sharp or acidic, 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.
Retsina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Soave
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- 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 sharp or acidic.
- 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 sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- 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 sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Catarratto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Tsolikouri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- 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.
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 more herbal and green.
Soave
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 more oaky.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 more herbal and green.
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 more herbal and green.
Soave
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 more oaky.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 more herbal and 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.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more fruit-driven.
Koshu
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.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Müller-Thurgau
Müller-Thurgau scores closest to Australian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
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 and more acidic.
Mosel Riesling
curatedThe same grape at the opposite end of the sweetness and alcohol spectrum.
Expect: Off-dry, much lower in alcohol and far more delicate.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Encruzado
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
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.
Soave
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 more oaky.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 more herbal and green.
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 sweeter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Istrian Malvazija
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 broader and softer.
Tsolikouri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Soave
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 more oaky.
Istrian Malvazija
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 broader and softer.
Verdicchio
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.
Vermentino
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 more herbal and green.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
California traditional-method sparkling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Welschriesling
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 sweeter.
Slavonian Graševina
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.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Australian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more herbal and green.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Istrian Malvazija
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 more herbal and green.
Slavonian Graševina
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
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 more herbal and green.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Istrian Malvazija
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 broader and softer.
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 softer and rounder.
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 more herbal and green.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Australian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Spätlese
Both are made from riesling.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Australian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Pfalz Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Mosel Riesling
curatedThe same grape at the opposite end of the sweetness and alcohol spectrum.
Expect: Off-dry, much lower in alcohol and far more delicate.
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.
Mosel Riesling
curatedThe same grape at the opposite end of the sweetness and alcohol spectrum.
Expect: Off-dry, much lower in alcohol and far more delicate.
Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more neutral and subtle.
Kabinett
Both are made from riesling.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more neutral and subtle.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Pfalz Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Rheinhessen Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 lighter.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
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 more herbal and green.
Soave
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 more oaky.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 more herbal and 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.
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 more herbal and green.
Soave
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 more oaky.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 more herbal and green.
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 more oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
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 fresher and more acidic.
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.