If you like this, try…
Wines like Santorini Assyrtiko
Volcanic, saline, bone-dry white from an Aegean island — remarkable for keeping searing acidity in extreme heat. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Santorini Assyrtiko?
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 citrus and orchard fruit
- Lemon, lime, green apple, pear. The signature of a cool-climate white — quieter and less perfumed than tropical fruit, and a different thing from the acidity it usually travels with.
- How fresh and crisp it is
- Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
- How full and weighty it is
- Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
- The creamy, rounded texture
- A soft, almost dairy-like roundness. In white wine it usually comes from malolactic fermentation or from time on the lees, not from the grape.
- 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 creamy, rounded mouthfeel, while moving away from too sharp or acidic 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.
Soave Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Vidiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially 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.
Soave Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky.
Vidiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be 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.
Soave Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky.
Vidiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be 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.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
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 fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Santorini Assyrtiko across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Santorini Assyrtiko across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Santorini Assyrtiko across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
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.
Soave Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Chosen because you asked for something less tannic.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky.
Vidiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less oaky.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Rkatsiteli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
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 more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Soave Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Chosen because you asked for something softer.
Vidiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
California traditional-method sparkling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.
Franciacorta
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.
Méthode Cap Classique
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.
Cava
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Franciacorta
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and lighter.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Méthode Cap Classique
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.
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 softer and rounder, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more neutral and subtle.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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.
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 softer and rounder, and more restrained in fruit.
Soave Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and spicier.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more oaky.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
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.
Retsina
Both are made from assyrtiko, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, 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 fresher.
Athiri
Both are made from athiri, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Aidani
Both are made from aidani, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
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 fresher and more acidic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Retsina
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 leaner and more cutting, 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 fresher.
Aidani
Both are made from aidani, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
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.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and spicier.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Soave Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky.
Vidiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be 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.
Soave Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky.
Vidiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and spicier.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more 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.