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 and too tropical or sweet-smelling.
- 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.
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.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
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.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Sémillon
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.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Koshu
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 tropical or sweet-smelling.
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 tropical or sweet-smelling.
Pinot Grigio
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.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Tsolikouri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Silvaner
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.
- 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.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
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.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Gavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
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.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
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 fruitier, and softer and rounder.
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.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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 sweeter, and more oaky.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Encruzado
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.
Tsolikouri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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 fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Melon de Bourgogne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Cortese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more fruit-driven.
Ribolla Gialla
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more aromatic.
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 softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more aromatic.
Auxerrois
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more aromatic.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Cava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
Austrian Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
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 sweeter, and more oaky.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more herbal and green.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
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 sweeter, and lighter.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Sancerre
Sancerre scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Pouilly-Fumé
Pouilly-Fumé scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Roussanne
Roussanne scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Gavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Soave
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Garganega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and sweeter.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
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 aromatic.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more herbal and green.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon 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.
Spätlese
Spätlese 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 more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, 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.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
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.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.