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 tropical or sweet-smelling, too plain or too simple and too savoury or funky.
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.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less savoury or funky.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Vermentino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and riper and less green.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and riper and less green.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
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.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Koshu
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
English still white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Txakoli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Koshu
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Txakoli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Vinho Verde
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and riper and less green.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
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.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and riper and less green.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Istrian Malvazija
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 more restrained in fruit.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Koshu
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
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 less oaky.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
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 less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Roero Arneis
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.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Austrian Sekt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and riper and less green.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
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 less oaky.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
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.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Soave
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 more restrained in fruit.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 more savoury, and less oaky.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and riper and less green.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
Vidiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
Roditis
Both are made from roditis, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
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 fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
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 less oaky, 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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
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 less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Roditis
Both are made from roditis, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and riper and less green.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and riper and less green.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 more savoury, and less 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.