If you like this, try…

Wines like Austrian Riesling

Dry, stony, powerful Riesling from the terraced Danube — quite unlike German examples despite the shared grape. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Austrian Riesling

Refine

What do you like about Austrian 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 How fresh and crisp it is How full and weighty it is That it is not oaky The savoury, meaty side That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or lemony too sharp or acidic too heavy too plain or too simple too savoury or funky too austere

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.
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.
How full and weighty it is: Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
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.

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)

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Nahe Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Rheingau Riesling

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

Greco

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

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

Assyrtiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.

Greco di Tufo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

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

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.

Nahe Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Rheingau Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Rheinhessen Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Australian Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

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.

Nahe Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Rheingau Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Australian Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and lighter.

Spätlese

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Condrieu

Condrieu scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Viognier

Viognier scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

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.

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

German dry Riesling (trocken)

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Nahe Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Rheingau Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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 lighter, and more neutral and subtle.

Kisi

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

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

Ribolla Gialla

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.

Trebbiano Spoletino

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.

Similar but softer

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

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Soave Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

Sekt

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

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

Champagne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Nahe Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Rheingau Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Alsace Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

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 more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and softer and rounder.

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Torrontés

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

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

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

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

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

Mantinia Moschofilero

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

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

Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Greco

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit.

Assyrtiko

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

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

Greco di Tufo

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

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Alsace Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Australian Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and lighter.

Torrontés

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

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

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

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

Vin Jaune

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

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

Savennières

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

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

Greco

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

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

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Spätlese

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

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

Petit Manseng

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

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

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and leaner and more cutting.

Coteaux du Layon

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

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

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)

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Nahe Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Rheingau Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Same grape, cooler climate

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

German dry Riesling (trocken)

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Nahe Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Rheingau Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Alsace Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

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, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Rheinhessen Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

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

German dry Riesling (trocken)

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Nahe Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

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)

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Australian Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and lighter.

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

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

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.

Something more adventurous

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

Nahe Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Rheingau Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Alsace Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

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.

Nahe Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Rheingau Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Alsace Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

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 more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.