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 and the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, while moving away from too heavy and too savoury or funky.
- You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about savoury character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about fruit intensity, 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.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
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.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
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.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
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 fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and softer and rounder.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Ribolla Gialla
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.
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 fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Auxerrois
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more restrained in fruit.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Méthode Cap Classique
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
California traditional-method sparkling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
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 sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
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 restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and leaner and more cutting.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and leaner and more cutting.
Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.
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 more savoury, and fuller and richer.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Coteaux du Layon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher and more acidic.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more fruit-driven.
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 restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
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.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
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.