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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.
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 that the fruit is not covered in oak 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.
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.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
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.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Spätlese
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Carricante
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- 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.
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 sweeter, and lighter.
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 more floral, and sweeter.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and lighter.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
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 neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Carricante
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Juhfark
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Trebbiano Spoletino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
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 more floral, and sweeter.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 leaner and more cutting, and more floral.
Carricante
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and lighter.
Carricante
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Beerenauslese
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Trockenbeerenauslese
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Austrian Riesling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Tokaji Aszú
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and sweeter.
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 neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
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 sweeter, and lighter.
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 more floral, and sweeter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Ribolla Gialla
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Rkatsiteli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Trebbiano Spoletino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Altesse
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Xarel·lo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more sparkling.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more floral.
Sekt
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more sparkling.
Champagne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
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 more floral, and lighter.
Auslese
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and broader and softer.
Beerenauslese
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and broader and softer.
Eiswein
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Greco di Tufo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Carricante
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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 more floral, and sweeter.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and lighter.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Kabinett
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Qvevri amber wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and earthier.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Spätlese
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Coteaux du Layon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and sweeter.
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.
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 sweeter, and lighter.
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 more floral, and sweeter.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and lighter.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
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.
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 more floral, and sweeter.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and leaner and more cutting.
Kabinett
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Beerenauslese
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Trockenbeerenauslese
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Canadian Icewine
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Spätlese
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and lighter.
Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Mosel Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 sweeter, and lighter.
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 more floral, and sweeter.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
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.
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 sweeter, and lighter.
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 more floral, and sweeter.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Tokaji Aszú
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and sweeter.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
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.