Wines Like Pinot Grigio: 5 Alternative White Wines to Try
If Pinot Grigio is your usual go-to, here are five wines worth trying next.
When you think about white wine, Pinot Grigio is probably one of the first bottles that comes to mind. Whether you’re a fan or not (I’ll admit I often sit in camp “not”), it’s one of the most commonly drunk wines in the UK – right up there with Sauvignon Blanc on most wine lists.
If Pinot Grigio is your usual go-to, it’s more than likely the first bottle you reach for without thinking when you’re browsing the supermarket shelves. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But at some point, it’s worth trying something slightly different.
The good news is you don’t need to make a big leap and go completely off-piste. There are plenty of ways to branch out from a wine you already know you enjoy, without straying too far from the styles you like.
What Pinot Grigio actually tastes like
Bright, zesty and tangy, Pinot Grigio is typically a high-acidity, dry white wine. Italian Pinot Grigio, particularly from the north of the country, is usually light-bodied, with subtle citrus, green apple and pear notes.
What makes it such a staple is that it’s not particularly overpowering. Pinot Grigio is often subtle and crisp, and usually very reliable – a perfect easy-drinking, crisp white wine that’s often a crowd-pleaser at a great price.
That’s also why it works so well on its own, or alongside lighter dishes like salads, seafood, or simple pasta.
Depending on where it’s from, it can vary slightly:
- Italy: light, crisp, and easy-drinking
- France (Pinot Gris): a bit richer, sometimes with more texture
- New World styles e.g. New Zealand and Australia: slightly fruitier and more expressive
Five wines to try if you like Pinot Grigio
When looking for a wine similar to Pinot Grigio, start by thinking about what you like about it. Is it the freshness? The lightness? The crisp acidity? Or simply the fact that it’s an easy bottle to order without having to think too much? All very valid.
These wines aren’t exact replacements for Pinot Grigio. They’re alternatives that stay somewhere in the same general territory, while giving you something new to try.
Soave
Soave is an Italian white wine made from the Garganega grape. It’s light and fresh, with subtle citrus and almond notes, and a slightly softer texture than Pinot Grigio.
Why it works: It keeps that easy-drinking, refreshing style, but with a bit more character and depth.
If you like Pinot Grigio for its light, crisp Italian style, this is probably the first alternative I’d try.
Pinot Gris
Same grape. Different name. Richer flavour.
Strangely, even though it’s the same grape, Pinot Gris feels quite different from Pinot Grigio. It’s a bit richer, a bit rounder, and has more ripe fruit going on. If you like Pinot Grigio for its easy-drinking style, Pinot Gris still sits in that world – just with a bit more depth and flavour.
Why it works: Same grape as Pinot Grigio, but with more richness, riper fruit notes, and a slightly fuller feel without losing that easy-drinking character.
Picpoul de Pinet
A white wine from the south of France, Picpoul is known for its high acidity and bright citrus notes. It’s very refreshing, especially when served cold.
Why it works: It offers the same light, crisp feel as Pinot Grigio, with a sharper, more zesty edge.
If the thing you love most about Pinot Grigio is that fresh, clean feeling, Picpoul is worth a try.
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Albariño
Albariño is a Spanish white wine, particularly associated with Galicia in the northwest of the country. It’s fresh and high in acidity, but tends to have more obvious fruit and a little more texture than a straightforward Pinot Grigio.
Why it works: It’s still crisp and refreshing, but gives you a little more flavour and personality in the glass.
It’s a good next step if you’re ready to branch out without going for something dramatically different.
Grüner Veltliner
Grüner Veltliner is an Austrian white wine known for its fresh acidity, citrus and green fruit flavours. Some examples also have a distinctive peppery character.
Why it works: It has the freshness and drinkability you might be looking for, but feels noticeably different from Pinot Grigio.
This is the one to try if you’re getting a little bored of Pinot Grigio but still want something fresh and dry.
How to choose your next wine
Start with what you already enjoy about Pinot Grigio. If you like Pinot Grigio because it’s light and easy-drinking, try Soave. If you want something a little richer, go for Pinot Gris. If you like really fresh, high-acid wines, try Picpoul. And if you’re ready for a bit more flavour and character, Albariño or Grüner Veltliner are good places to start.
The goal isn’t to find an exact replacement – it’s to explore wines that feel familiar, while giving you something new to try.
Your Pinot Grigio Cheatsheet
Save this for the next time you’re standing in front of a wall of wine and want something other than Pinot Grigio.
| If you like Pinot Grigio for… | Try… | Expect… |
|---|---|---|
| Light, crisp and easy-drinking | Soave | Freshness with a little more texture |
| Bright acidity | Picpoul de Pinet | Zesty, citrusy freshness |
| Easy-drinking but a little fuller | Pinot Gris | More body and ripe fruit |
| Freshness with more flavour | Albariño | Citrus, fruit and more texture |
| Crisp, dry and fresh | Grüner Veltliner | Freshness with a distinctive peppery edge |
More tips for beginners
If you’re not sure where to begin, start here.
