If you like this, try…
Wines like Roditis
A pink-skinned Greek variety producing light, crisp whites, often blended with Savatiano in Retsina. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Roditis?
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 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.
- 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.
- 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 moving away from too sharp or lemony, too buttery or thick and too plain or too simple.
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.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- More sharp or lemony, not less.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- More sharp or lemony, not less.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- More sharp or lemony, not less.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- More sharp or lemony, not less.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Retsina
Both are made from roditis, and both come from the same country.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less 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.
Txakoli
Txakoli scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Jacquère
Jacquère scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
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.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
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.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Roussanne
Roussanne scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Macabeo
Macabeo scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Roero Arneis
Roero Arneis scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
English Blanc de Blancs
English Blanc de Blancs scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Sekt
Sekt scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
Szamorodni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more aromatic.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Gavi
Gavi scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Blanc scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Bacchus
Bacchus scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Retsina
Both are made from roditis, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Bacchus
Bacchus scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less 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.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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.
Pouilly-Fumé
Pouilly-Fumé scores closest to Roditis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.