If you love Pinot Grigio wine and are looking to expand your palate, you’ve got options.
Lighter white wines similar to Pinot Grigio include Trebbiano, Soave, Muscadet, Vermentino, Chenin Blanc, and many more. These wines have soft aromatics, making them perfect for sipping on their own or with your next meal.
- Trebbiano: The Workhorse of Italian Whites
- Soave: Veneto’s Elegant Expression
- Muscadet: Loire Valley’s Maritime Elegance
- Vermentino: Mediterranean Sunshine in a Glass
- Albariño: Spain’s Famous White Wine
- Txakoli: A Basque Adventure
- Chenin Blanc: Friendly White
- Palomino: A Soft White Wine
- Malvasia: Floral Elegance from Italy
- Final Thoughts – White Wines Similar to Pinot Grigio Abound
Trebbiano: The Workhorse of Italian Whites
If you’re a fan of the crisp and light character of Pinot Grigio, Trebbiano is a stellar companion. Often referred to as the workhorse of Italian white wines, Trebbiano boasts a light and crisp profile with neutral flavors and high acidity. Its versatility and clean taste make it a go-to choice for those who appreciate the refreshing qualities of Pinot Grigio.
Soave: Veneto’s Elegant Expression
Another Italian white, this time from the northern Venento region, Soave is similar to Pinot Grigio. Crafted predominantly from the Garganega grape, Soave offers a light, dry experience with subtle floral and almond notes. If you enjoy the subtle nuances of Pinot Grigio, Soave provides a sophisticated alternative, reflecting the elegance of northern Italy’s winemaking traditions.
Muscadet: Loire Valley’s Maritime Elegance
For those seeking a white wine with crisp acidity and hint of minerality, Muscadet is a superb choice. Crafted from the Melon de Bourgogne grape in the Loire Valley, Muscadet stands out as an excellent option, especially for seafood pairings. Much like Pinot Grigio, Muscadet embodies a clean, linear profile that’s refreshing and palate-cleansing.
Helpful Wine Buying Tip: If you see Muscadet Sur Lie on the label, expect a fuller-bodied style with a little more mouthfeel thanks to sur lie (on the lees) winemaking.
Vermentino: Mediterranean Sunshine in a Glass
If you find joy in the sun-soaked character of Pinot Grigio, Vermentino offers a delightful escape. Grown around the Mediterranean region, this white wine is light and refreshing, just like Pinot Grigio. With its citrus and floral notes, Vermentino captures the essence of a warm and inviting day, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate the bright and light-hearted qualities of Pinot Grigio.
Helpful Tip: Here’s a list of great cold appetizers for your next white wine tasting.
Albariño: Spain’s Famous White Wine
If you’re a fan of cooler climate Pinot Grigio’s with a racey backbone, then you’ll love Albariño from Spain’s Rías Baixas region is a perfect match. Offering bright acidity, citrus flavors, and a touch of salinity, Albariño embodies the vibrant and crisp qualities that make Pinot Grigio a beloved choice.
Personal Note: Albariño tends to be a little more acidic and assertive on the palate than most Pinot Grigios. Just know this in advance if you’re not a fan of acidic white wines. Here’s a list of other Spanish whites worth exploring if you’re curious.
Txakoli: A Basque Adventure
Stay in Spain and head over to the Basque country where you’ll find the slightly effervescent Txakoli. Made from the Hondarrabi Zuri grape, Txakoli adds a playful twist to your white wine experience. With a light fruit profile and refreshing acidity, this is a fun wine to try out if you’re looking for something different, but still similar in taste to Pinot Grigio.
Chenin Blanc: Friendly White
If you appreciate the versatility of Pinot Grigio, Chenin Blanc is a varietal worth exploring. Grown throughout the Loire Valley or South Africa, Chenin Blanc can range from dry to slightly sweet. Much like Pinot Grigio, it tends to be lighter on the fruit profile, with soft apple, pear, and floral notes.
Palomino: A Soft White Wine
Palomino is the primary white grape used in fortified Sherry wines, but it also makes dry whites. These are easy drinking, softer fruited wines with pear and yellow apple, and a slight grassy note to them. You’ll probably only find Palomino wines at larger wine stores or online (or if you’re visiting the Canary Islands or mainland Spain…(luck you).
Malvasia: Floral Elegance from Italy
The last of the lineup, look for Malvasia (Malvsia Bianca in Italian), a white wine that brings floral elegance to the table. Much like Pinot Grigio, Malvasia Bianca is known for its lightness and aromatic softness. Malvasia tends to have more floral notes than Pinot Grigio, but still delivers that easy drinking character.
Helpful Wine Buying Tip: If you pick up a generic Italian white wine, it’s likely a blend of Malvasia and Trebbiano. These wines will also taste similar to Pinot Grigio. Sweet!
Final Thoughts – White Wines Similar to Pinot Grigio Abound
Whether you find yourself a Chenin Blanc, or go for the more exotic Txakoli, go out and try something different. All of these wines are affordable and available in most wine markets with a little sleuthing. If you’re not sure what to look for, ask your friendly wine shop staff and they’ll help you discover something new.
Helpful Tip: Go check out this complete guide to Pinot Grigio.
