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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 the full body and weight and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too austere, too plain or too simple 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.
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.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as sharp or acidic as the wine you started from.
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 the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- 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.
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 less oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
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 drier.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
Rheingau 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 fresher and more acidic.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 drier, and less oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and drier.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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 less oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
California traditional-method sparkling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Cava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Szamorodni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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 less oaky.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Condrieu
Condrieu 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.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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 less oaky.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
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.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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 less oaky.
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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 less oaky.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 less 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 less oaky.
Rheingau 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 fresher and more acidic.
Alsace Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
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.
Rheingau 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.
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 lighter.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
Both are made from riesling, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Alsace Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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.
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 less 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 lighter, and drier.
Rheingau 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.
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 drier, 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.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and drier.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 less oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
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 less oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.