If you like this, try…
Wines like Assyrtiko
Santorini’s volcanic white: bone dry, intensely saline and remarkable for keeping high acidity in extreme heat. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Assyrtiko?
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 citrus and orchard fruit
- Lemon, lime, green apple, pear. The signature of a cool-climate white — quieter and less perfumed than tropical fruit, and a different thing from the acidity it usually travels with.
- How fresh and crisp it is
- Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
- How full and weighty it is
- Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
- The creamy, rounded texture
- A soft, almost dairy-like roundness. In white wine it usually comes from malolactic fermentation or from time on the lees, not from the grape.
- The savoury, meaty side
- Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
- That it is properly dry
- No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.
Looking for something keeping the full body and weight and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too sharp or lemony and too austere.
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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less sharp or lemony.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
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.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Vidal
Vidal scores closest to Assyrtiko across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
Rheingau Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Assyrtiko across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Assyrtiko across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Assyrtiko across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and drier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
California traditional-method sparkling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Szamorodni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and drier.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Assyrtiko across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Assyrtiko across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Assyrtiko across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Assyrtiko across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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 assyrtiko, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Retsina
Both are made from assyrtiko, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Retsina
Both are made from assyrtiko, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
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.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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 assyrtiko, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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.