If you like this, try…
Wines like Grüner Veltliner
Austria’s signature white: dry, high in acid, with a white-pepper and lentil savouriness found in almost no other variety. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Grüner Veltliner?
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
- How light it is
- A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
- That it is not too strong
- Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
- The spice
- Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
- The herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- 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 moving away from too green or grassy, too peppery, too austere and too light or thin.
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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less light or thin.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
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.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Finger Lakes Riesling scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
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.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less spicy.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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 spicy, and lighter.
Albana
Albana scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Petite Arvine
Petite Arvine scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Vouvray
Vouvray scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from grüner veltliner, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Savennières
Savennières scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
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.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
Both are made from grüner veltliner, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
Both are made from grüner veltliner, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
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 Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.