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Wines like Verdicchio

One of Italy’s most structured and ageworthy whites, from the Marche — citrus, almond and real texture. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Verdicchio?

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…

The creamy, rounded texture That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or lemony too light or thin too alcoholic or warming too buttery or thick too savoury or funky 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.
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 creamy, rounded texture: A soft, almost dairy-like roundness. In white wine it usually comes from malolactic fermentation or from time on the lees, not from the grape.
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 keeping that it is properly dry, while moving away from too sharp or lemony, too savoury or funky 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.

Malagousia

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Roussanne

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

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

Pošip

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

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

Antão Vaz

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

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

Clairette

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
A little less sharp or lemony.
A little less savoury or funky.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Torrontés

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

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

Soave Classico

curated

Both are textured, almond-inflected Italian whites with ageing capacity.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
More savoury or funky, 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.

Malagousia

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

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

Roussanne

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

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

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 fresher, and lighter in alcohol.

Pošip

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Malagousia

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

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

Roussanne

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

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

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 fresher, and lighter in alcohol.

Pošip

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

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

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.

Pinot Grigio

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 neutral and subtle.

Roditis

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Parellada

Parellada scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Phoenix

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Loureiro

Loureiro scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Moschofilero

Moschofilero scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Mantinia Moschofilero

Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Colombard

Colombard scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Malagousia

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

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

Roussanne

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

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

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and broader and softer.

Viognier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and broader and softer.

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.

Malagousia

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

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

Roussanne

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

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

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 fresher, and lighter in alcohol.

Pošip

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Kisi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malvazija Istarska

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

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

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

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

German dry Riesling (trocken)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gros Manseng

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and sweeter.

Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Štajerska Šipon

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but softer

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

Malagousia

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

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

Roussanne

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

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

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and broader and softer.

Viognier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and broader and softer.

The sparkling version

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

Glera

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

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

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

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

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

Prosecco

Both come from the same country.

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

Sekt

Sekt scores closest to Verdicchio 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.

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and broader and softer.

Viognier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and broader and softer.

Malvasia

Malvasia scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.

Malagousia

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

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

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 fresher, and lighter in alcohol.

Antão Vaz

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

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

Clairette

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

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

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 sweeter, and more savoury.

Chilean Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Bordeaux

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Malagousia

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

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

Roussanne

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

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

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Pinot Blanc

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

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

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Palomino Fino

Palomino Fino scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more savoury.

Similar but more floral

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

Malagousia

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

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

Roussanne

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

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

Torrontés

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

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Palomino Fino

Palomino Fino scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Sercial

Sercial scores closest to Verdicchio across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Friulano

Both come from the same country.

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

Friuli white

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Malagousia

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

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

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 fresher, and lighter in alcohol.

Pošip

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

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

Antão Vaz

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

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

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Trebbiano di Soave

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

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

Verdicchio

Both are made from verdicchio, 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 savoury.

Soave

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 savoury.

Soave Classico

curated

Both are textured, almond-inflected Italian whites with ageing capacity.

Expect: Rounder and less acidic.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Soave Classico

curated

Both are textured, almond-inflected Italian whites with ageing capacity.

Expect: Rounder and less acidic.

Trebbiano di Soave

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

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

Verdicchio

Both are made from verdicchio, 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 restrained in fruit.

Soave

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 restrained in fruit.

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 sweeter, and more savoury.

German dry Riesling (trocken)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Gris

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

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

Pinot Grigio

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 neutral and subtle.

Something more adventurous

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

Malagousia

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

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

Roussanne

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

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

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 fresher, and lighter in alcohol.

Pošip

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

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

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.

Malagousia

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

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

Roussanne

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

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

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 fresher, and lighter in alcohol.

Pošip

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

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

A step up

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

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.