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 the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too plain or too simple and too buttery or thick.
- You said you like that the fruit is not covered in oak and that it is too plain or too simple. Both are about oak influence, 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.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Mantinia Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Mantinia Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more herbal and green.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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 and more acidic.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc scores closest to Savatiano across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
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.
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 less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Austrian Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more herbal and green.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
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 less oaky, and lighter.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Sancerre
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.
Retsina
Both are made from savatiano, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chablis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
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 less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
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.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Gavi
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.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.
Gavi
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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
South African 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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
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.