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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.
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.
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.
Looking for something keeping that the fruit is not covered in oak and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too austere and too sharp or acidic.
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.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
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.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Rheinhessen Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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 drier, 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.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Mosel 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 fruit-driven.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
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 fruit-driven.
Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 more fruit-driven.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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 drier, and more oaky.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and broader and softer.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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 drier, and more oaky.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Méthode Cap Classique
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
California traditional-method sparkling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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 more oaky, and drier.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Soave Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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 fruit-driven, and more floral.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
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 more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Spätlese
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fresher and more acidic.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
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.
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 drier, and more oaky.
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 drier, and more oaky.
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 fruit-driven.
Mosel 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 fruit-driven.
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.
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 fruit-driven.
Mosel 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 fruit-driven.
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 fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Alsace 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 fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Beerenauslese
Both are made from riesling.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Trockenbeerenauslese
Both are made from riesling.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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 drier, 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 drier, and more oaky.
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.
Mosel 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 fruit-driven.
Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fresher and more acidic.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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 drier, and more oaky.
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.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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 drier, and more oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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.