If you like this, try…
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.
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.
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 keeping that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too floral or soapy, too austere, too light or thin and too plain or too simple.
- You said you like that the fruit is not covered in oak and that it is too plain or too simple. Both are about oak influence, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
English still white
English still white scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Vidal
Vidal scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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, and less floral.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less 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.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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 lighter.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Albana
Albana scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
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, and drier.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Cava
Cava scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter, and less floral.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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 lighter.
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, and less floral.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Vernaccia di San Gimignano scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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.
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.
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.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Pfalz Riesling
Pfalz Riesling scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Savennières
Savennières scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Vidal
Vidal scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from athiri, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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.