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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 moving away from too plain or too simple, too austere, too light or thin, too tropical or sweet-smelling 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.

Alsace Pinot Gris

curated

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

Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less light or thin.
More tropical or sweet-smelling, not less.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less austere.
A little less light or thin.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Friuli white

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

Substantially less plain or too simple.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less light or thin.
More tropical or sweet-smelling, not less.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less austere.
A little less light or thin.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less plain or too simple.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less light or thin.
More tropical or sweet-smelling, not less.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less light or thin.
More tropical or sweet-smelling, not less.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

California Chardonnay

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

Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less light or thin.
More tropical or sweet-smelling, not less.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Bual

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

About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less light or thin.
More tropical or sweet-smelling, not less.
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.

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.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 drier, and more aromatic.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Furmint

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.

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.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Trebbiano Toscano

Both come from the same country.

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

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chenin Blanc

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

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

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.

Trebbiano Toscano

Both come from the same country.

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

Muscadet

curated

A comparably lean, neutral white built for seafood.

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

Koshu

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Vinho Verde

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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.

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 drier, and more aromatic.

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

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 drier, and more aromatic.

Malvasia

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

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

Albana

Both come from the same country.

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

Kisi

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

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

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 fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Greco di Tufo

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Santorini Assyrtiko

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Vouvray

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

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.

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Pinot Gris

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

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

Silvaner

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

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

The sparkling version

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

Cava

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

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

Corpinnat

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

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

Crémant

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

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

English sparkling wine

English sparkling wine scores closest to Pinot Grigio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.

Marsala

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Madeira

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

White Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Sémillon

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

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

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 drier, and more aromatic.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Similar but more aromatic

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

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.

Vouvray

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

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

Garganega

Both come from the same country.

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

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Silvaner

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

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

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but more floral

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

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.

Vouvray

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

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

Garganega

Both come from the same country.

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

Fiano

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Similar but less floral

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

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 drier, and more aromatic.

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Furmint

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Savennières

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Similar but fruitier

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

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.

Malvasia

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Petit Manseng

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Pošip

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.

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 lighter, 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 lighter, and lighter in 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 drier, and more aromatic.

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, warmer climate

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

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 drier, and more aromatic.

Pinot Gris

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

California Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Australian Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Something more adventurous

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

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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 drier, and more aromatic.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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 drier, and more aromatic.

Furmint

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.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

California Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Australian Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.