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Wines like Athiri

A soft Aegean variety used to round out Assyrtiko blends on Santorini. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Athiri

Refine

What do you like about Athiri?

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…

That it is not oaky That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too light or thin too alcoholic or warming too buttery or thick too plain or too simple too floral or soapy too austere

Clear all

What these words mean

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 too strong: Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
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.
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.
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 moving away from too austere, too plain or too simple, too alcoholic or warming 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.

Chenin Blanc

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

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

California Chardonnay

California Chardonnay scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less austere.
About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Pfalz Riesling

Pfalz Riesling scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less floral or soapy.

Valais Petite Arvine

Valais Petite Arvine scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Substantially less austere.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
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.

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

California Chardonnay

California Chardonnay scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

California Chardonnay

California Chardonnay scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.

English still white

English still white scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.

Trebbiano Toscano

Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Welsh white wine

Welsh white wine scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.

Finger Lakes Riesling

Finger Lakes Riesling scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

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.

Trebbiano Toscano

Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Trebbiano Romagnolo

Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Vidal

Vidal scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Riesling

Riesling scores closest to Athiri 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.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

California Chardonnay

California Chardonnay scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 less oaky, and less floral.

Friuli white

Friuli white scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.

Albana

Albana scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Marsala

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

Valais Petite Arvine

Valais Petite Arvine scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but softer

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

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Marsanne

Marsanne scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Muscat of Alexandria

Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Grenache Blanc

Grenache Blanc scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

The sparkling version

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

Crémant

Crémant scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.

English sparkling wine

English sparkling wine scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.

Cava

Cava scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.

Franciacorta

Franciacorta scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.

Similar but sweeter

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

Madeira

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.

Marsala

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.

White Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Furmint

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

California Chardonnay

California Chardonnay scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 less oaky, and more floral.

Muscat of Alexandria

Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Condrieu

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

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

Viognier

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

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

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 lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

Silvaner

Silvaner scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.

Trebbiano Toscano

Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Seyval Blanc

Seyval Blanc scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more floral

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

Muscat of Alexandria

Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.

Condrieu

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

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

Viognier

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

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

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer scores closest to Athiri 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.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

California Chardonnay

California Chardonnay scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

Friuli white

Friuli white scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.

White Burgundy

White Burgundy scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but fruitier

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Petit Manseng

Petit Manseng scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petite Arvine

Petite Arvine scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

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 athiri, and both come from the same country.

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

California Chardonnay

California Chardonnay scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Australian Chardonnay

Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.

White Burgundy

White Burgundy scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.

Something more adventurous

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

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

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

California Chardonnay

California Chardonnay scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Australian Chardonnay

Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.

White Burgundy

White Burgundy scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.

South African Chenin Blanc

South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.

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.