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 keeping that it is properly dry, while moving away from too buttery or thick, too austere and too alcoholic or warming.
- You said you like that it is properly dry and that it is too austere. Both are about sweetness, 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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Alsace Riesling
Alsace Riesling scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
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.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
Pfalz Riesling
Pfalz Riesling scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Cava
Cava scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Seyval Blanc
Seyval Blanc scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Gavi
Gavi scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Retsina
Both are made from savatiano, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
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.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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.
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.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Glera
Glera scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both come from the same country.
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.
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.