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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.

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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 the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too savoury or funky, too sharp or lemony and too austere.

You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about savoury character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about fruit intensity, 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.

Chenin Blanc

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
A little less savoury or funky.
A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less austere.

Scheurebe

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

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less austere.

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.
A little less savoury or funky.
A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less austere.

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.
A little less savoury or funky.
A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less austere.

Finger Lakes Riesling

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
A little less savoury or funky.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.

Mosel Riesling

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
A little less savoury or funky.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.

Welschriesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
A little less savoury or funky.
A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less austere.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less austere.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Scheurebe

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

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

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 fruitier.

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 fruitier.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Scheurebe

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

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

Welschriesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Scheurebe

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

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

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Mosel Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

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 fruitier.

Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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 fresher, and fruitier.

Spätlese

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

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 broader and softer, and drier.

Viognier

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

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

Pedro Ximénez

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Canadian Icewine

Both are made from riesling.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

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.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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 fruitier.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 neutral and subtle, and more fruit-driven.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rkatsiteli

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

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

Ribolla Gialla

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more fruit-driven, 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 fruitier.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Sekt

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Glera

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Austrian Sekt

Both are made from riesling, and both come from the same country.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Scheurebe

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

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

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Mosel Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Finger Lakes Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 more fruit-driven, 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 fruitier.

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 fruitier.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

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

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

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gewürztraminer

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sémillon

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

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

Grechetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fruitier.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gewürztraminer

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more savoury, and drier.

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

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

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Sémillon

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

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

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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätlese

Both are made from riesling.

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

Gewürztraminer

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

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

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 fruitier.

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 fruitier.

Finger Lakes Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Mosel Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Mosel Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Riesling

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

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

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 drier, and fresher.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Canadian Icewine

Both are made from riesling.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Beerenauslese

Both are made from riesling.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

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 fruitier.

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 fruitier.

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 neutral and subtle, and more oaky.

Mosel Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Riesling

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

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

Pinot Gris

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

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

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 fruitier.

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 fruitier.

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 fruitier.

Finger Lakes Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

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 fruitier.

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 fruitier.

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 fruitier.

Finger Lakes Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

A step up

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

Chenin Blanc

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

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

White Burgundy

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

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

Mosel Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

South African Chenin Blanc

South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.