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, the savoury, non-fruity character, that the fruit is not covered in oak and that it is properly dry, while moving away from too austere.
- 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.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
Nahe Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
Valais Petite Arvine
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.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
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 the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
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 more neutral and subtle.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
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 more neutral and subtle.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Nahe Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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 more neutral and subtle.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Nahe Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
English Blanc de Blancs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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 more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Rheinhessen Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Rheingau Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle.
Grechetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
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 more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Nahe Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 more fruit-driven.
Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Savatiano
Both are made from savatiano, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
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 more oaky.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Nahe Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Nahe Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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 oaky.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more 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.