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 buttery or thick and too savoury or funky.
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.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Kabinett
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more herbal and green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more herbal and green.
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.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Kabinett
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Kabinett
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
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.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more floral.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more restrained in fruit.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
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.
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.
Prosecco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more restrained in fruit.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
Kabinett
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more restrained in fruit.
Slavonian Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more restrained in fruit.
Štajerska Šipon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more aromatic.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Pinot Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more restrained in fruit.
Seyval Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more restrained in fruit.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Retsina
Both are made from savatiano, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Franken Silvaner
Franken Silvaner scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Grüner Veltliner
Grüner Veltliner scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more herbal and green.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more herbal and green.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
Kabinett
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
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.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more floral.
Kabinett
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
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 more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.