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, while moving away from too plain or too simple 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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
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.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- 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.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
Vouvray
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.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
Rheinhessen Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- 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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 less oaky.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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 less oaky, and riper and less green.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
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 less oaky, and riper and less green.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Istrian Malvazija
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
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 less oaky.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
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 less oaky.
Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 riper and less green.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 more aromatic, and less oaky.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Viognier
Viognier 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 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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Sémillon
Sémillon 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 less oaky.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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 less oaky.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more fruit-driven.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Rheinhessen Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Roditis
Both are made from roditis, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Savatiano
Both are made from savatiano, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 less oaky.
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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 less oaky.
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 less oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
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 neutral and subtle.
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.