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 savoury, non-fruity character and the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Carricante
curatedEtna’s white variety shares the volcanic, saline, high-acid character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Savagnin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Rkatsiteli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury.
Carricante
curatedEtna’s white variety shares the volcanic, saline, high-acid character.
Expect: Slightly lighter and more citrus-driven.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky.
Chablis
curatedA comparably taut, mineral, unoaked white of real seriousness.
Expect: Cooler and more citrus-driven, without the volcanic salinity.
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.
Carricante
curatedEtna’s white variety shares the volcanic, saline, high-acid character.
Expect: Slightly lighter and more citrus-driven.
Chablis
curatedA comparably taut, mineral, unoaked white of real seriousness.
Expect: Cooler and more citrus-driven, without the volcanic salinity.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
Etna Bianco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting.
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.
Carricante
curatedEtna’s white variety shares the volcanic, saline, high-acid character.
Expect: Slightly lighter and more citrus-driven.
Hunter Valley Semillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and lighter in alcohol.
Chablis
curatedA comparably taut, mineral, unoaked white of real seriousness.
Expect: Cooler and more citrus-driven, without the volcanic salinity.
Etna Bianco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and lighter.
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 softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Assyrtiko across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Assyrtiko across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
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 fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Chosen because you asked for something less tannic.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky.
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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Rkatsiteli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Ribolla Gialla
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Soave Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Australian traditional-method sparkling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more sparkling.
California traditional-method sparkling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Champagne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.
Corpinnat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Australian traditional-method sparkling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more sparkling.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Champagne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and lighter.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
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.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Chosen because you asked for something less oaky.
Rkatsiteli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Albariño
curatedBoth are saline, high-acid Atlantic and Aegean whites made for seafood.
Expect: Lighter and more overtly fruity, with less structure.
Pouilly-Fumé
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Muscadet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more restrained in fruit.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and leaner and more cutting.
Melon de Bourgogne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Albariño
curatedBoth 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 fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Qvevri amber wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.
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 leaner and more cutting, and softer and rounder.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
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 fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
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 leaner and more cutting, and softer and rounder.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury.
Chablis
curatedA comparably taut, mineral, unoaked white of real seriousness.
Expect: Cooler and more citrus-driven, without the volcanic salinity.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Carricante
curatedEtna’s white variety shares the volcanic, saline, high-acid character.
Expect: Slightly lighter and more citrus-driven.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky.
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.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky.
Savagnin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and broader and softer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Tokaji Aszú
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury.
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.