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.

← Back to Santorini Assyrtiko

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.

I like…

The citrus and orchard fruit How fresh and crisp it is How full and weighty it is The creamy, rounded texture The savoury, meaty side That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or lemony too sharp or acidic too heavy too buttery or thick too savoury or funky too austere

Clear all

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 full body and weight and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too sharp or acidic.

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.

Friuli white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the full body and weight.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

White Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the full body and weight.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Soave Classico

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Keeps the full body and weight.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the full body and weight.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

New Zealand Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the full body and weight.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Kisi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the full body and weight.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Vin Jaune

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the full body and weight.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
A little less sharp or acidic.

Retsina

Both are made from assyrtiko, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Friuli white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more oaky.

White Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.

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 more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Friuli white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more oaky.

White Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.

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 more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

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.

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 lighter, 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 lighter, and softer and rounder.

Etna Bianco

curated

Another volcanic island white with the same saline, high-acid logic.

Expect: Lighter and ashier.

Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

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.

Etna Bianco

curated

Another volcanic island white with the same saline, high-acid logic.

Expect: Lighter and ashier.

Chablis

curated

Both are taut, mineral, high-acid whites of real seriousness.

Expect: Cooler and more citrus-driven, without the volcanic salinity.

Carricante

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.

Juhfark

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.

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 fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.

Condrieu

Condrieu scores closest to Santorini Assyrtiko across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.

Viognier

Viognier scores closest to Santorini Assyrtiko across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.

Oloroso sherry

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.

White Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.

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 more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

New Zealand Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

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 more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.

Friuli white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more oaky.

Rkatsiteli

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Istrian Malvazija

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

White Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.

Friuli white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.

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 more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Franciacorta

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Méthode Cap Classique

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

California traditional-method sparkling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Cava

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Marsala

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Madeira

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and broader and softer.

Vin Santo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.

Pfalz Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

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 more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.

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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Friulano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Pecorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

White Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.

Friuli white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Vin Jaune

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.

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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.

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.

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 lighter, and softer and rounder.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Palomino Fino

Palomino Fino scores closest to Santorini Assyrtiko across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.

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 fruitier.

Fiano di Avellino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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.

Vin Jaune

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.

White Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.

Friuli white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Franken Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

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 more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

New Zealand Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Kisi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Assyrtiko

Both are made from assyrtiko, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, 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 more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.

Aidani

Both are made from aidani, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Assyrtiko

Both are made from assyrtiko, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Athiri

Both are made from athiri, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Aidani

Both are made from aidani, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

White Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter in alcohol.

Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Friuli white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more oaky.

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 more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

New Zealand Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Kisi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.

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.

Friuli white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more oaky.

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 more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

New Zealand Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Kisi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

White Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter in alcohol.

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 fruit-driven.

How these are chosen

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.