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 and that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too plain or too simple.
- You said you like that the fruit is not covered in oak and that it is too plain or too simple. Both are about oak influence, 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.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Rueda Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
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.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Rías Baixas Albariño
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.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
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.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.
Rueda Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
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 fruit-driven.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.
Rueda Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
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 fruit-driven.
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.
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 fruit-driven.
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 neutral and subtle.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
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 neutral and subtle.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Loureiro
Loureiro scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.
Rueda Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
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 riper and less green.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Istrian Malvazija
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 neutral and subtle.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
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 neutral and subtle.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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 riper and less green.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
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 more neutral and subtle.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
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 less oaky, and more sparkling.
Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Szamorodni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and riper and less green.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and riper and less green.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
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 sweeter, and more aromatic.
Welsh white wine
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 fruit-driven.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Viognier
Viognier 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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
White Burgundy
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 floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Welsh white wine
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 fruit-driven.
Rías Baixas Albariño
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 riper and less green.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Amontillado sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Palo Cortado
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Rueda Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Roditis
Both are made from roditis, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
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 more aromatic, and sweeter.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Savatiano
Both are made from savatiano, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
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 riper and less green.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
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.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.
Rueda Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
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 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.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and riper and less green.
Rueda Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
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 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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Chardonnay
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 Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
South African 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.
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.