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 the herbal, green edge 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.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of 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.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Welsh white wine
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Alpine white
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Alpine white
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Koshu
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
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.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Istrian Malvazija
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Brda Rebula
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Koshu
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Franken Silvaner
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Roero Arneis
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Macabeo
Macabeo scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
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 less oaky.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Welsh white wine
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
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.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Franken Silvaner
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Vermentino
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Grüner Veltliner
Grüner Veltliner scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green, and less oaky.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Franken Silvaner
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Pouilly-Fumé
Pouilly-Fumé scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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.
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.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Pouilly-Fumé
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.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 riper and less green, and less oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.