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 moving away from too plain or too simple, too light or thin, too austere and too alcoholic or warming.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 lighter.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
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 in alcohol, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
Pfalz Riesling scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Vouvray
Vouvray scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Cava
Cava scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 more savoury.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 lighter.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Blanc 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Friuli white
Friuli white 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.
Savennières
Savennières scores closest to Athiri across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune 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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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.
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
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.
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.
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.