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Wines like Malagousia

A Greek variety rescued from near-extinction in the 1970s, producing full, peachy, aromatic whites. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Malagousia?

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…

The tropical fruit How full and weighty it is The creamy, rounded texture That it is not oaky The floral character That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too tropical or sweet-smelling too heavy too buttery or thick too plain or too simple too floral or soapy too austere

Clear all

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 floral character: Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
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 floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too floral or soapy and too buttery or thick.

You said you like the floral, perfumed side and that it is too floral or soapy. Both are about floral character, 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.

Kerner

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

Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Soave

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

Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Welschriesling

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

Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Garganega

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

Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Parellada

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

Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Albariño

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

Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Rías Baixas Albariño

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

Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
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.

Kerner

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Soave

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

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

Welschriesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Garganega

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.

Kerner

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Soave

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

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

Welschriesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Garganega

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.

Kerner

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher.

Parellada

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.

Soave

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.

Garganega

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.

Parellada

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

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

Kerner

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Soave

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

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

Garganega

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Malagousia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Viognier

curated

Both are full, aromatic, stone-fruited whites with moderate acidity.

Expect: More apricot-driven and lower in acid.

Condrieu

Condrieu scores closest to Malagousia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Fiano

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

Similar but less tannic

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

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.

Kerner

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Soave

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

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

Welschriesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Garganega

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Malvazija Istarska

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.

Istrian Malvazija

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Tsolikouri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Kerner

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Soave

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

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

Garganega

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

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

Welschriesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Similar but softer

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

Muscat of Alexandria

Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Malagousia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Grenache Blanc

Grenache Blanc scores closest to Malagousia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less floral.

Marsanne

Marsanne scores closest to Malagousia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Malagousia 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.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

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

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

Vouvray

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

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

Prosecco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more floral.

Cava

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.

Similar but sweeter

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

Welschriesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Kerner

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Garganega

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

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

Vouvray

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

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Fiano

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.

Fiano di Avellino

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Scheurebe

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

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

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Moschofilero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

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

Mantinia Moschofilero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and leaner and more cutting.

Similar but more restrained

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

Soave

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

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

Garganega

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

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

Welschriesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Parellada

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

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

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Moschofilero

Both come from the same country.

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

Mantinia Moschofilero

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and leaner and more cutting.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Malagousia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Kerner

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Soave

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

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

Garganega

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

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

Welschriesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Similar but more savoury

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

Soave

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

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

Garganega

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

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

Pouilly-Fumé

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.

Vouvray

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.

Spätlese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.

Petit Manseng

Petit Manseng scores closest to Malagousia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

Albariño

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

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

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

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

Australian Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.

Pinot Grigio

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less floral.

Something more adventurous

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

Kerner

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Soave

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

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

Welschriesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Garganega

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.

Kerner

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Soave

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

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

Welschriesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Garganega

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

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

A step up

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

Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.

Albariño

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

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

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

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

Australian Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.

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.