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.

← Back to Assyrtiko

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.

I like…

The citrus and orchard fruit How fresh and crisp it is How full and weighty it is The creamy, rounded texture The savoury, meaty side That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or lemony too sharp or acidic too heavy too buttery or thick too savoury or funky too austere

Clear all

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 citrus and green-apple character, while moving away from too savoury or funky.

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.

Albariño

curated

Both are saline, high-acid Atlantic and Aegean whites made for seafood.

Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

German dry Riesling (trocken)

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Rheingau Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Rías Baixas Albariño

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Albariño

curated

Both are saline, high-acid Atlantic and Aegean whites made for seafood.

Expect: Lighter and more overtly fruity, with less structure.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.

Albariño

curated

Both are saline, high-acid Atlantic and Aegean whites made for seafood.

Expect: Lighter and more overtly fruity, with less structure.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

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.

Albariño

curated

Both are saline, high-acid Atlantic and Aegean whites made for seafood.

Expect: Lighter and more overtly fruity, with less structure.

Aligoté

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Alpine white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic.

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.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.

Albariño

curated

Both are saline, high-acid Atlantic and Aegean whites made for seafood.

Expect: Lighter and more overtly fruity, with less structure.

Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Condrieu

Condrieu scores closest to Assyrtiko across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.

Viognier

Viognier scores closest to Assyrtiko across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.

Pedro Ximénez sherry

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

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.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.

Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.

Coteaux du Layon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Trebbiano Spoletino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.

Ribolla Gialla

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more restrained in fruit.

Brda Rebula

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more restrained in fruit.

Tsolikouri

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Vidiano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and leaner and more cutting.

Godello

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and leaner and more cutting.

Fiano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more floral.

Fiano di Avellino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more floral.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Austrian Sekt

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and lighter.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.

Crémant

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more sparkling.

Sekt

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more sparkling.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Austrian Sekt

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and lighter.

Finger Lakes Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and sweeter.

Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

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.

Nahe Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and sweeter.

Australian Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.

Alsace Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.

Gros Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.

Chilean Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less oaky.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Albariño

curated

Both are saline, high-acid Atlantic and Aegean whites made for seafood.

Expect: Lighter and more overtly fruity, with less structure.

Rías Baixas Albariño

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.

Australian Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.

Alsace Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.

Gavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.

Cortese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more fruit-driven.

Seyval Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more fruit-driven.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Albariño

curated

Both are saline, high-acid Atlantic and Aegean whites made for seafood.

Expect: Lighter and more overtly fruity, with less structure.

Alsace Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.

Australian Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.

Finger Lakes Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Santorini Assyrtiko

Both are made from assyrtiko, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Pouilly-Fumé

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.

Arinto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Albariño

curated

Both are saline, high-acid Atlantic and Aegean whites made for seafood.

Expect: Lighter and more overtly fruity, with less structure.

Alsace Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.

Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.

Australian Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

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 more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

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 more savoury, and broader and softer.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

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 more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

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 more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.

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.

Albariño

curated

Both are saline, high-acid Atlantic and Aegean whites made for seafood.

Expect: Lighter and more overtly fruity, with less structure.

German dry Riesling (trocken)

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.

Rías Baixas Albariño

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.

Australian Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.

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.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

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 more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

South African Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.

Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more restrained in fruit.

How these are chosen

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.