If you like this, try…

Wines like Koshu

Japan’s signature variety — a thick-skinned pink grape making very light, delicate, low-alcohol dry white. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Koshu

Refine

What do you like about Koshu?

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.

I like…

How light it is That it is not too strong That it is not oaky That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or lemony too light or thin too alcoholic or warming too plain or too simple too savoury or funky too austere

Clear all

What these words mean

The citrus and orchard fruit: Lemon, lime, green apple, pear. The signature of a cool-climate white — quieter and less perfumed than tropical fruit, and a different thing from the acidity it usually travels with.
How light it is: A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
That it is not too strong: Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
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 how light and easy it feels and that it is not too alcoholic, while moving away from too light or thin and too alcoholic or warming.

You said you like how light and easy it feels and that it is too light or thin. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like that it is not too alcoholic and that it is too light or thin. Both are about alcohol, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like that it is not too alcoholic and that it is too alcoholic or warming. Both are about alcohol, 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.

Douro white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Encruzado

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Godello

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Vidiano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Soave Classico

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Friuli white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Greco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Fiano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Douro white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.

Encruzado

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.

Godello

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

Vidiano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Douro white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.

Encruzado

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.

Godello

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

Vidiano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

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.

Douro white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.

Encruzado

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.

Godello

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

Vidiano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

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.

Greco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more aromatic.

Assyrtiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.

Santorini Assyrtiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.

Greco di Tufo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Antão Vaz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.

Assyrtiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.

Austrian Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Douro white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.

Encruzado

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.

Godello

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

Vidiano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Kisi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Friuli white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.

Rkatsiteli

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

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 more aromatic, and more savoury.

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.

Santorini Assyrtiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Grenache Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Marsanne

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Antão Vaz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Pošip

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Franciacorta

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Méthode Cap Classique

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

California traditional-method sparkling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Champagne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.

Petit Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.

Muscat of Alexandria

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Chilean Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Friuli white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.

New Zealand Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Roussanne

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.

Malagousia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.

Fiano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

Fiano di Avellino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Palomino Fino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Chasselas

curated

Another famously subtle white that rewards attention rather than announcing itself.

Expect: Chasselas is rounder and less citrus-edged.

Douro white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.

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 fruitier, and more oaky.

Fiano di Avellino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

Roussanne

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.

Malagousia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Vin Jaune

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.

Savennières

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.

Palomino Fino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Franken Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Antão Vaz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.

Pošip

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more aromatic.

Malagousia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Koshu

Both are made from koshu, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Koshu

Both are made from koshu, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in 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.

White Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.

Santorini Assyrtiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.

South African Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Douro white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.

Encruzado

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.

Godello

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

Vidiano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Douro white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.

Encruzado

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.

Godello

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

Vidiano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.

White Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.

Santorini Assyrtiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.

South African Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.

How these are chosen

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.