If you like this, try…
Wines like Retsina
Greek white flavoured with Aleppo pine resin during fermentation — a genuine traditional style, and a much better wine than its reputation. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Retsina?
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
- The tropical fruit
- Passionfruit, mango, pineapple, guava. It comes from riper fruit and warmer sites, and it is the difference between Marlborough and Sancerre in the same 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 herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- How aromatic it is
- Some grapes announce themselves from across the room — Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc. Others are far quieter, and quiet is not the same as dull.
- 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 perfumed, too tropical or sweet-smelling, too green or grassy and too plain or too simple.
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.
Vermentino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- 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.
Vermentino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Vermentino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Alpine white
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Muscadet
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Alpine white
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Muscadet
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green, and fruitier.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
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.
Vermentino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Brda Rebula
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
Chablis
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
Gavi
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Roero Arneis
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
English Blanc de Blancs
English Blanc de Blancs scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
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 riper and less green, and fruitier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Vermentino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Soave
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Chilean Chardonnay
Chilean Chardonnay scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Dry Furmint
Dry Furmint scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Vidiano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower 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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
Roditis
Both are made from roditis, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
Savatiano
Both are made from savatiano, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Savatiano
Both are made from savatiano, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Roditis
Both are made from roditis, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
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.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Vermentino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
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.
Vermentino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
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.