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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.
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 it is properly dry, the full body and weight, the savoury, non-fruity character and the fresh, crisp acidity.
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.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Savagnin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
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.
Carricante
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Juhfark
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Etna Bianco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
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 lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
Carricante
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Juhfark
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Etna Bianco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
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 softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Oloroso sherry
Oloroso sherry scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Rkatsiteli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Trebbiano Spoletino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 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.
Soave Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
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 sweeter, and lighter.
Australian traditional-method sparkling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.
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 lighter, and sweeter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
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 sweeter, and lighter.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.
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 sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Nahe 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 sweeter, and lighter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Alsace 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 sweeter, and lighter.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Qvevri amber wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Spätlese
Both are made from riesling.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Alsace 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 sweeter, and lighter.
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 sweeter, and softer and rounder.
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.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Alsace 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 lighter, and sweeter.
Nahe 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 lighter, and sweeter.
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 sweeter, and softer and rounder.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Alsace 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 lighter, and sweeter.
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 broader and softer, and more oaky.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
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.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
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.