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 the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too plain or too simple.

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.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Australian Chardonnay

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Friuli white

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

White Burgundy

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Dry Furmint

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Soave Classico

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

Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Chilean Chardonnay

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
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.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

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

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and softer and rounder.

Different grape, similar feel

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

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

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

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and softer and rounder.

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.

Grüner Veltliner

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.

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 less oaky, 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 less oaky, and more fruit-driven.

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Dry Furmint

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

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

Furmint

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

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

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 less oaky, and more fruit-driven.

Chablis

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.

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 less oaky.

Viognier

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

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

Pedro Ximénez

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

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

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.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

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

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and spicier.

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 more restrained in fruit, and softer and rounder.

Kisi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rkatsiteli

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.

Istrian Malvazija

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.

Australian Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more neutral and subtle.

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more neutral and subtle.

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and spicier.

The sparkling version

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

English Blanc de Noirs

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

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

Australian traditional-method sparkling

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

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

Franciacorta

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Méthode Cap Classique

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Marsala

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

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

Szamorodni

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

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

Vin Santo

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

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

Furmint

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

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and softer and rounder.

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and softer and rounder.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and spicier.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Sauvignon Blanc

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

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

Vin Jaune

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Condrieu

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

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

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer.

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

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

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Albariño

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sancerre

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

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

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vin Jaune

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Chianti Classico Riserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Taurasi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 fruitier, and less oaky.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Condrieu

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

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

Viognier

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

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

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.

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 less 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 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 less oaky, 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 less oaky, and more fruit-driven.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

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 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 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 more fruit-driven.

Alsace Riesling

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

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 less oaky, 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 less oaky, and more fruit-driven.

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 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 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.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and spicier.

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 less oaky, and more fruit-driven.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

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

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and softer and rounder.

Dry Furmint

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

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

Soave Classico

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

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

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.

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

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

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and softer and rounder.

Dry Furmint

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

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

Soave Classico

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

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

A step up

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

Priorat

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

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Tokaji Aszú

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

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.