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 tropical or sweet-smelling 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.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Vidiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- A little 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.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, 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.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, 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.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more aromatic.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more restrained in fruit.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Vidiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and sweeter.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
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 more aromatic.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more aromatic.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Austrian Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more restrained in fruit.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Australian Riesling
Australian Riesling scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more restrained in fruit.
Albariño
Albariño scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more restrained in fruit.
Rías Baixas Albariño
Rías Baixas Albariño scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more restrained in fruit.
Alsace Riesling
Alsace Riesling scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more restrained in fruit.
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 restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more restrained in fruit.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more restrained in fruit.
Australian Riesling
Australian Riesling scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more restrained in fruit.
Albariño
Albariño scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more restrained in fruit.
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 restrained in fruit.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and softer and rounder.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more aromatic.
Coteaux du Layon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more fruit-driven.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more restrained in fruit.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, 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.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, 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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.