If you like this, try…
Wines like Kisi
A rare Georgian variety producing distinctive, honeyed amber wines. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Kisi?
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 tropical fruit
- Passionfruit, mango, pineapple, guava. It comes from riper fruit and warmer sites, and it is the difference between Marlborough and Sancerre in the same grape.
- 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.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- 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, while moving away from too austere, too plain or too simple and too tropical or sweet-smelling.
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.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
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.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and sweeter.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
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 fresher and more acidic, and more aromatic.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
English still white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Cava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Corpinnat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
English Blanc de Blancs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
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 more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Welsh white wine
Welsh white wine scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Aidani
Aidani scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Finger Lakes Riesling scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
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 more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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.