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 that the fruit is not covered in oak and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too green or grassy and too austere.
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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less austere.
Grechetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- 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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Finger Lakes 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 more fruit-driven.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Finger Lakes 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 more fruit-driven.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
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 fruit-driven.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Vidal
Vidal scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
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 fruit-driven.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Kisi
Kisi 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 fruit-driven.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
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 fruit-driven.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Muscadelle
Muscadelle scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Ortega
Ortega scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
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 drier.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Cava
Cava scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
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 drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Finger Lakes 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 more fruit-driven.
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 fruit-driven.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Vouvray
Vouvray scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Valais Petite Arvine
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
English still white
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 riper and less green, and drier.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Scheurebe
Scheurebe scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Finger Lakes 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 more fruit-driven.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
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 riper and less green.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Franken Silvaner
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 fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Petite Arvine
Petite Arvine scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 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.
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.
Savatiano
Both are made from savatiano, 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.
Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, 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.
Roditis
Both are made from roditis, 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.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Vinho Verde
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
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 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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
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 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 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.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay 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.