null

Welcome to Surdyk's Staff blog. Here you'll find our best tips, expertise, party ideas, and more.

IF/THEN: WHITE WINES

IF/THEN: WHITE WINES

Posted on Aug 26th 2025

Written by
Surdyk's Staff

One of the biggest reasons our customers ask for wine recommendations isn't because they don't know anything about wine, it's because they find themselves stuck in a routine, reaching for the same varietal again and again. And while there's absolutely nothing wrong with having a favorite go-to, sometimes it's nice to explore beyond that comfort zone and discover something new.

 

 

But let’s be honest: staring at a wall of wine bottles in a shop can feel overwhelming. How do you know which one will actually suit your palate? It can feel intimidating—like an expensive guessing game.

 

That’s where we come in. We’ve created a simple IF/THEN guide to help you branch out from your usual choice without straying too far from the styles you already enjoy. Think of it as your personal cheat sheet—a way to explore the wide world of wine while staying within a flavor profile you love. This post is the first in a two-part series, starting with some of the most popular white wine varietals.

 

Ready to find your next favorite wine? Let’s dive in.


If you like Riesling  Try Gewürztraminer

 

Fans of Riesling usually love its balance of bright acidity, juicy fruit, and ability to find versatility in the range of sweetness. If that sounds like you, Gewürztraminer is a natural next step. It shares Riesling’s aromatic intensity but turns up the volume with exotic spice, lychee, and floral notes. Think of it as Riesling’s bolder, more dramatic cousin—perfect for when you want something familiar yet a little more adventurous.

 

Other varietals to try if you like Riesling:

 

Moscato – Shares Riesling’s aromatic, fruit-forward charm with a touch of sweetness.

 

Torrontés – Known for its floral aromatics and lively freshness, much like Riesling.

Scheurebe – More intensity in flavor than Riesling, which is one of Scheurebe’s parent grapes.

 


If you like Pinot Grigio Try Albariño

 

Pinot Grigio is beloved for being crisp, light, and endlessly refreshing—the kind of wine you don’t have to overthink. If that’s your happy place, Albariño will feel like a smooth transition. This Spanish varietal has the same zippy citrus backbone but layers in stone fruit flavors and a subtle saline note that makes it especially food-friendly.

Other varietals to try if you like Pinot Grigio:

 

Grüner Veltliner – Crisp and refreshing with a peppery twist that keeps it lively.

 

Verdicchio – Light, citrus-driven, and equally versatile at the table.

 

Soave (Garganega) – Delicate and zesty, with a clean, easy-drinking style.

 


If you like Sauvignon Blanc Try Vermentino

 

Sauvignon Blanc drinkers often crave that bright, citrusy zing with a touch of herbal freshness. Vermentino offers all that energy but with a slightly softer, rounder profile. Expect crisp lemon and lime flavors alongside delicate herbal and almond notes.

 

 

Other varietals to try if you like Sauvignon Blanc:


Assyrtiko
– Bright, zippy acidity with a mineral edge that Sauvignon Blanc fans will love.

 

Muscadet – Another mineral-driven, crisp white with citrus notes that echo Blanc’s freshness.

 

Picpoul de Pinet – Nicknamed “lip-stinger” for its high acidity, it’s a natural fit for Sauvignon drinkers.

 


If you like Chardonnay Try Viognier

 

Chardonnay lovers appreciate its versatility—it can be buttery and rich or crisp and mineral-driven. If you lean toward the fuller-bodied styles, Viognier is a great way to branch out. This Rhône Valley grape is known for its lush texture and expressive aromatics, offering ripe peach, apricot, and floral notes. It delivers that same satisfying weight on the palate, but with a fragrant lift that feels just a little more exotic.

 

Other varietals to try if you like Viognier:

 

Marsanne – Often found in Rhone-style blends, Marsanne mimics the body and texture of Chardonnay.

 

Roussanne – Rich and aromatic, delivering weight and depth on the palate.

 

Pinot Blanc – With a soft, round texture and gentle fruit notes, it’s a lighter, more delicate alternative to fuller-bodied Chardonnay.

Search Articles