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Wines like Pinot Grigio

Light, crisp and deliberately neutral — one of the world’s best-selling whites, and a completely different wine from Alsace Pinot Gris. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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Refine

What do you like about Pinot Grigio?

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…

How light it is That it is not oaky That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or lemony too tropical or sweet-smelling too light or thin too alcoholic or warming too plain or too simple 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.
The tropical fruit: Passionfruit, mango, pineapple, guava. It comes from riper fruit and warmer sites, and it is the difference between Marlborough and Sancerre in the same grape.
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.
That it is not oaky: No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
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, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming, too sharp or lemony and too plain or too simple.

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.

Friuli white

Both are made from pinot gris, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

White Burgundy

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Soave

curated

Another light, dry, unobtrusive northern Italian white — and a more interesting one.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Chilean Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

New Zealand Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
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.

Friuli white

Both are made from pinot gris, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Soave

curated

Another light, dry, unobtrusive northern Italian white — and a more interesting one.

Expect: More almond character and texture, particularly from the Classico zone.

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Txakoli

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Jacquère

Jacquère scores closest to Pinot Grigio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Hondarrabi Zuri

Hondarrabi Zuri scores closest to Pinot Grigio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Koshu

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

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.

Koshu

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Alpine white

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Muscadet

curated

A comparably lean, neutral white built for seafood.

Expect: More saline and mineral, with a bready lees texture.

Txakoli

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Friuli white

Both are made from pinot gris, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Friuli white

Both are made from pinot gris, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Istrian Malvazija

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Kisi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Brda Rebula

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Greco di Tufo

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

Both sit in the same style family.

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

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.

Assyrtiko

Assyrtiko scores closest to Pinot Grigio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Pošip

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Roero Arneis

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

The sparkling version

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

Franciacorta

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.

Méthode Cap Classique

Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Pinot Grigio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.

California traditional-method sparkling

California traditional-method sparkling scores closest to Pinot Grigio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.

Crémant

Crémant scores closest to Pinot Grigio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but sweeter

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

curated

The same grape at the opposite end of the ripeness scale.

Expect: Full-bodied, oily, spicy and frequently off-dry — a genuinely different wine.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Marsala

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Madeira

Madeira scores closest to Pinot Grigio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Friuli white

Both are made from pinot gris, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Australian Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Chilean Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

curated

The same grape at the opposite end of the ripeness scale.

Expect: Full-bodied, oily, spicy and frequently off-dry — a genuinely different wine.

Roero Arneis

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Soave

curated

Another light, dry, unobtrusive northern Italian white — and a more interesting one.

Expect: More almond character and texture, particularly from the Classico zone.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Friuli white

Both are made from pinot gris, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Palomino Fino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more floral

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

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Clairette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Roero Arneis

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Soave

curated

Another light, dry, unobtrusive northern Italian white — and a more interesting one.

Expect: More almond character and texture, particularly from the Classico zone.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Friuli white

Both are made from pinot gris, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more savoury

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

Friuli white

Both are made from pinot gris, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.

Vin Jaune

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Palomino Fino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Pošip

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

curated

The same grape at the opposite end of the ripeness scale.

Expect: Full-bodied, oily, spicy and frequently off-dry — a genuinely different wine.

Antão Vaz

Antão Vaz scores closest to Pinot Grigio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Malagousia

Malagousia scores closest to Pinot Grigio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.

Alsace Pinot Gris

curated

The same grape at the opposite end of the ripeness scale.

Expect: Full-bodied, oily, spicy and frequently off-dry — a genuinely different wine.

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.

Friuli white

Both are made from pinot gris, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Friuli white

Both are made from pinot gris, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Alsace Pinot Gris

curated

The same grape at the opposite end of the ripeness scale.

Expect: Full-bodied, oily, spicy and frequently off-dry — a genuinely different wine.

Pinot Gris

Both are made from pinot gris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.

Something more adventurous

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

Friuli white

Both are made from pinot gris, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Vermentino

curated

A crisp dry Italian white with genuine character for the same occasions.

Expect: More saline and herbal, with a bitter-almond finish.

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Friuli white

Both are made from pinot gris, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Chilean Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

A step up

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

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.

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.