If you like this, try…
Wines like Savatiano
Greece’s most planted variety, traditionally the base of Retsina and now producing serious old-vine whites. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Savatiano?
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
- 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.
- 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 moving away from too austere, too plain or too simple, too light or thin, too alcoholic or warming and too buttery or thick.
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.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less light or thin.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Pfalz Riesling
Pfalz Riesling scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
New Zealand Chardonnay
New Zealand Chardonnay scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Pfalz Riesling
Pfalz Riesling scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Pfalz Riesling
Pfalz Riesling scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Welsh white wine
Welsh white wine scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Bacchus
Bacchus scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Vidal
Vidal scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Pfalz Riesling
Pfalz Riesling scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and earthier.
Albana
Albana scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Savatiano 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.
Cava
Cava scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Austrian Sekt
Austrian Sekt scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Vernaccia di San Gimignano scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Savennières
Savennières scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
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.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Pfalz Riesling
Pfalz Riesling scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Pfalz Riesling
Pfalz Riesling scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.