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 savoury, non-fruity character and the herbal, green edge.
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.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
Muscadet
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Bacchus
Bacchus scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
Muscadet
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Alpine white
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Txakoli
Both sit in the same style family.
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.
Assyrtiko
Both are made from assyrtiko, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
Greco di Tufo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 riper and less green, and more savoury.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
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.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
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.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Savatiano
Both are made from savatiano, and both come from the same country.
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 more sparkling.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more sparkling.
Cava
Cava scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more sparkling.
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 more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Bacchus
Bacchus scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Welsh white wine
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Vermentino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
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 riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
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 more savoury.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Franken Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
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 both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 riper and less green, and more savoury.
Savatiano
Both are made from savatiano, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 riper and less green, and spicier.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 riper and less green, and more savoury.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Retsina across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
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 fruitier.
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.