If you like this, try…
Wines like Aidani
An aromatic Aegean variety used in Santorini blends and in Vinsanto. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Aidani?
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.
What these words mean
- The tropical fruit
- Passionfruit, mango, pineapple, guava. It comes from riper fruit and warmer sites, and it is the difference between Marlborough and Sancerre in the same grape.
- 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 oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- How aromatic it is
- Some grapes announce themselves from across the room — Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc. Others are far quieter, and quiet is not the same as dull.
- The touch of sweetness
- Actual sugar left in the wine, which is a different thing from tasting fruity. A wine can smell of ripe peach and be completely dry.
Looking for something moving away from too plain or too simple, too light or thin and too floral or soapy.
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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
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.
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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
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.
Vidal
Vidal scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Alpine white
Alpine white scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Istrian Malvazija
Istrian Malvazija scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
California traditional-method sparkling
California traditional-method sparkling scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Both are made from aidani, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Sauternes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Aidani across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from aidani, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Both are made from aidani, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Both are made from aidani, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from aidani, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
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.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from aidani, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
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.