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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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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.

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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Soave Classico

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Friulano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Grillo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Greco di Tufo

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Pecorino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Sercial

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

Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
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.

Friuli white

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 fuller and richer.

Soave Classico

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 fuller and richer.

Friulano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Grillo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Soave Classico

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 fuller and richer.

Friulano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Grillo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

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 more sparkling.

Jacquère

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

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

Hondarrabi Zuri

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.

Gavi

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 fuller and richer.

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.

Muscadet

curated

A comparably lean, neutral white built for seafood.

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

Alpine white

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Txakoli

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.

Colombard

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Fiano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Fiano di Avellino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

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 fuller and richer.

Greco di Tufo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

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.

Soave Classico

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 fuller and richer.

Friulano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Grillo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Kisi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Friuli white

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 fuller and richer.

Rkatsiteli

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Similar but fresher

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

Greco di Tufo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Santorini Assyrtiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Greco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

German dry Riesling (trocken)

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Similar but softer

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

Palomino Fino

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Grenache Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Clairette

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.

Antão Vaz

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

The sparkling version

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

Glera

Both come from the same country.

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

Prosecco

Both come from the same country.

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

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

Both come from the same country.

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

Franciacorta

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Sercial

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more savoury.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valais Petite Arvine

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

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

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

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 fuller and richer.

Chilean Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Australian Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Torrontés

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Roussanne

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Malagousia

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Fiano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more restrained

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

Palomino Fino

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.

Friuli white

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 more aromatic.

Soave Classico

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 more aromatic.

Friulano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

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

Clairette

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.

Torrontés

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Malagousia

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Fiano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

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 fuller and richer.

Soave Classico

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Friulano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Grillo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Similar but more savoury

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

Palomino Fino

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.

Savennières

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Friuli white

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 fuller and richer.

Friulano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but fruitier

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

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Torrontés

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Antão Vaz

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Pošip

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

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.

English still white

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

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

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.

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 lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.

Friuli white

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 fuller and richer.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Friuli white

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 more 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.

Pinot Gris

Both are made from pinot gris, and both come from the same country.

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

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.

Santorini Assyrtiko

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 fuller and richer.

German dry Riesling (trocken)

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Soave Classico

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 fuller and richer.

Friulano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Grillo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Soave Classico

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 fuller and richer.

Friulano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Grillo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

A step up

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

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 fuller and richer.

German dry Riesling (trocken)

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

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.