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 keeping how much it smells of, before you even taste it and that it is properly dry, while moving away from too austere and too green or grassy.
- 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, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
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, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Aidani
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 more floral.
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, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Aidani
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 more floral.
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 riper and less green, and more floral.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
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 riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Aidani
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 more floral.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Albana
Albana scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Aidani
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 more floral.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Prosecco
Prosecco scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Sekt
Sekt scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Scheurebe
Scheurebe scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Albana
Albana scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
English still white
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Vermentino
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
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 drier, and riper and less green.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Scheurebe
Scheurebe scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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 drier, and more floral.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
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.
Roditis
Both are made from roditis, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Savatiano
Both are made from savatiano, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
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, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Aidani
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 more floral.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
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, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Aidani
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 more floral.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
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 drier, and riper and less green.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
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.