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 plain or too simple.
- 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.
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.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
English Bacchus
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.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Bacchus
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.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Chenin Blanc
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.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Vouvray
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 plain or too simple.
Furmint
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.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- 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.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less 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.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
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.
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.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
Chenin Blanc
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.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
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 drier, and less oaky.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Istrian Malvazija
Istrian Malvazija scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 less oaky.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Cava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Austrian Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
Chenin Blanc
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.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Furmint
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.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
Chenin Blanc
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.
Furmint
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.
Chardonnay
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.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Gavi
Gavi scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Franken Silvaner
Franken Silvaner scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Retsina
Both are made from savatiano, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Grüner Veltliner
Grüner Veltliner scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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 drier, 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.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
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.