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 peppery, too austere and too alcoholic or warming.
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.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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 in alcohol, and less spicy.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Finger Lakes Riesling scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Aidani
Aidani scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 in alcohol, 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.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 in alcohol.
Albana
Albana scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Alsace Riesling
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 in alcohol, and less spicy.
Vouvray
Vouvray scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 in alcohol, and less spicy.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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 in alcohol.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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 in alcohol.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 in alcohol, and less spicy.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Seyval Blanc
Seyval Blanc scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 in alcohol.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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 in alcohol.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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 less spicy.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Grüner Veltliner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
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 less spicy.
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.