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

Clear all

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 that it is properly dry, while moving away from too austere and too plain or too simple.

You said you like that it is properly dry and that it is too austere. Both are about sweetness, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like that the fruit is not covered in oak and that it is too plain or too simple. Both are about oak influence, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.

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 noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Chenin Blanc

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Sémillon

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Vouvray

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
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 that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
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 that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Has some of that it is properly dry, 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 that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Has some of that it is properly dry, 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 neutral and subtle, and spicier.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Vouvray

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.

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 neutral and subtle, and spicier.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Vouvray

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.

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 neutral and subtle.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Vouvray

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.

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 neutral and subtle, and spicier.

Vouvray

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.

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.

Spätlese

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

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 drier, and less oaky.

Viognier

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

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

Pedro Ximénez

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

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

Vin Santo

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

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

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 neutral and subtle, and spicier.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Friuli white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Brda Rebula

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

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

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 less oaky, and spicier.

Sémillon

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

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

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 drier, and less oaky.

Sekt

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

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

Champagne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English Blanc de Noirs

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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Furmint

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

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

Madeira

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

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

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 leaner and more cutting, and more neutral and subtle.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Condrieu

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

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

Viognier

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

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

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 broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.

Furmint

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

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

Silvaner

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

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

English still white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less oaky, and softer and rounder.

Scheurebe

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Condrieu

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

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

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 less oaky.

Vin Jaune

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

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

Madeira

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

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

Chenin Blanc

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

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

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 less oaky, and more floral.

Petit Manseng

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Condrieu

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less 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.

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 lighter.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower 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 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 leaner and more cutting.

Spätlese

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

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, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

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 both sit in the same style family.

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

Spätlese

Both are made from riesling.

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

Rheingau Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less 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.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Riesling

Both are made from riesling.

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

Mosel Riesling

Both are made from riesling.

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

English Bacchus

Both sit in the same style family.

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

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 neutral and subtle, and spicier.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Vouvray

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.

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.

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 neutral and subtle, and spicier.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Vouvray

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.

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.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

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

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 more fruit-driven.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.