Chris BerryFounder, Wine Underdogs — chasing the world’s overlooked grapesPinot Grigio is the white wine you order when you don't want to think about it: light, crisp, cold, and inoffensive. There's nothing wrong with that — until you notice most of it barely tastes of anything. That neutrality is the whole product. The good news is you can keep the easy, refreshing part and trade the blankness for actual flavor.
If what you love is the light body and the clean, chilled refreshment, three underdog whites give you that — and something to notice.
Elbling — the featherweight one
Start here, because Elbling is the closest match. This ancient German grape makes bone-dry, feather-light, high-acid whites — green apple, lemon, chalk, and a saline snap — with the low-alcohol ease of the best Pinot Grigio, but a mineral crispness that keeps it interesting. The refreshing white for people who thought they were bored of refreshing whites. Read the Elbling deep dive →
Verdejo — the zesty one
If you want a clear step up in flavor without losing the easy freshness, Verdejo from Spain's Rueda is it: zesty and aromatic, with grapefruit, lime, wild fennel, and a signature bitter-almond finish. It drinks as easily as Pinot Grigio but actually has a personality. Read the Verdejo deep dive →
Godello — the one with body
For the Pinot Grigio drinker who's ready for a little more, Godello from Galicia keeps the fresh, citrusy core but adds texture and a stony, mineral depth — the "white Burgundy of Spain." Still refreshing, but with the weight and seriousness Pinot Grigio never attempts. Read the Godello deep dive →
How to choose
Want the closest light, crisp, low-alcohol match? Elbling. Want the same ease with real flavor? Verdejo. Want to trade up for body and depth? Godello. Each keeps the effortless refreshment that makes Pinot Grigio the default — while giving you a white that's actually worth tasting.
New to the overlooked grapes? Start with the Underdog Starter List — ten bottles under $25 worth chasing. Or see the whole approach in Order This Instead.
Part of Lesser-Known Wines: 16 Obscure Grapes Worth Switching To — the full underdog-swap guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good alternative to Pinot Grigio?
For the same light, crisp, refreshing style with more character, try Elbling — the featherweight, bone-dry, saline German white that's the closest match — or Verdejo for a zesty, herbal step up. Godello suits Pinot Grigio drinkers who want a little more body.
Why is Pinot Grigio often so bland?
Much commercial Pinot Grigio is made in a high-volume, neutral style designed to be inoffensive rather than expressive. The underdog whites here are grown and made for character, so you keep the easy refreshment without the blandness.
Are these as easy to drink as Pinot Grigio?
Yes — Elbling, Verdejo, and Godello are all light-to-medium, high-acid, food-friendly whites. They pour just as easily on a warm evening; they simply give you more to taste.