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 the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is properly dry, while moving away from too austere and too tropical or sweet-smelling.
- 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.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Grechetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Greco di Tufo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 drier, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
English still white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Franken Silvaner
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
Savatiano
Both are made from savatiano, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 fruitier.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
English Blanc de Blancs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Corpinnat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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 fruitier.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
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 fruitier.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
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 drier, and more savoury.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Verdelho
Verdelho scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Finger Lakes Riesling scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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 more fruit-driven.
Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Savatiano
Both are made from savatiano, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
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.
Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Savatiano
Both are made from savatiano, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Roditis
Both are made from roditis, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Chablis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
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 more savoury.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.