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, that it is properly dry, the creamy, rounded mouthfeel and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too tropical or sweet-smelling.
- You said you like the creamy, rounded mouthfeel and that it is too tropical or sweet-smelling. Both are about acidity, 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.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Rkatsiteli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Muscadet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Ribolla Gialla
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- 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.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Rkatsiteli
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 fresher and more acidic.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Muscadet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Rkatsiteli
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 fresher and more acidic.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Muscadet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Muscadet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Rkatsiteli
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 fresher and more acidic.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Muscadet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Rkatsiteli
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 fresher and more acidic.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Hunter Valley Semillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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 sweeter, and fruitier.
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.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Qvevri amber wine
Both are made from kisi, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and leaner and more cutting.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more aromatic.
Rkatsiteli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more aromatic.
Muscadet
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 aromatic.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Grenache Blanc
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 more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Corpinnat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Cava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Grechetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Corpinnat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Savagnin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Malagousia
Malagousia scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Muscadet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more restrained in fruit.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Melon de Bourgogne
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 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.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 aromatic, and more savoury.
Qvevri amber wine
Both are made from kisi, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Chablis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Rkatsiteli
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 fresher and more acidic.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Muscadet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Rkatsiteli
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 fresher and more acidic.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Muscadet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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 oaky, and more savoury.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.