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.
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 savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too austere and too plain or too simple.
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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Pfalz 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 savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Rheingau 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 savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
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 savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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 less oaky.
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 more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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 less oaky.
Mosel Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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 more fruit-driven, and drier.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and broader and softer.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less 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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Albana
Albana scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and earthier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
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 drier, and less oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
English Blanc de Noirs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Australian traditional-method sparkling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Scheurebe
Scheurebe scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and broader and softer.
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.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Chenin Blanc
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 fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Spätlese
Both are made from riesling.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
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 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 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.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
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 less oaky.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Nahe 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, 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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, 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 less oaky.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less 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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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 drier, and fruitier.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
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.