If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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.
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.
- 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.
Roussanne
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.
Arneis
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.
Athiri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Fiano
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.
Fiano di Avellino
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.
Solaris
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.
Roero Arneis
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.
Macabeo
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.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Athiri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Athiri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
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.
Athiri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and leaner and more cutting.
Roero Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
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 less floral, and sweeter.
Viognier
curatedBoth 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 more floral, and spicier.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and sweeter.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Malagousia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Malagousia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Malagousia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Australian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and sweeter.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Malagousia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Malagousia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc scores closest to Malagousia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and sweeter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
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 leaner and more cutting.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and sweeter.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and sweeter.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Malagousia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Viognier
curatedBoth are full, aromatic, stone-fruited whites with moderate acidity.
Expect: More apricot-driven and lower in acid.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Athiri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Viognier
curatedBoth are full, aromatic, stone-fruited whites with moderate acidity.
Expect: More apricot-driven and lower in acid.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Malagousia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 lighter.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Athiri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
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.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 more herbal and green, and fresher and more acidic.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and sweeter.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and sweeter.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Malagousia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
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.
Australian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
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.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more herbal and green.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Athiri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
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.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Athiri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more oaky.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Australian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
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.