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 that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too savoury or funky, too tropical or sweet-smelling and too buttery or thick.
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.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Jacquère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Trebbiano Spoletino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Picpoul de Pinet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Picpoul
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Hondarrabi Zuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little 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.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Jacquère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Jacquère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Jacquère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Picpoul de Pinet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.
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 more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Jacquère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Hondarrabi Zuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Jacquère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Jacquère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Arinto
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.
Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Antão Vaz
Antão Vaz scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
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 oaky, and more aromatic.
Austrian Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
Seyval Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Verdicchio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Jacquère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Seyval Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Finger Lakes 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 more oaky.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
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.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng 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.
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.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Jacquère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Jacquère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
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 more oaky.
Chablis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
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.