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 savoury or funky, too heavy, too tropical or sweet-smelling and too buttery or thick.
- 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.
Gavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- A little less buttery or thick.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- A little less buttery or thick.
Trebbiano Spoletino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Gavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.
Gavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.
Gavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Trebbiano Spoletino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Gavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Ribolla Gialla
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Gavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Gavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Trebbiano Spoletino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Auxerrois
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Crémant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more sparkling.
English sparkling wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Austrian Sekt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
English Blanc de Blancs
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and sweeter.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Crémant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more sparkling.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more herbal and green.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Gavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
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 aromatic.
Franken Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.
Pouilly-Fumé
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more herbal and green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
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.
Chablis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Pouilly-Fumé
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more herbal and green.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Gavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
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.
Gavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.
Chablis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
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.