If you like this, try…
Wines like Amontillado sherry
Sherry that begins under flor and finishes exposed to air — the bridge between Fino and Oloroso, and dry despite appearances. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Amontillado sherry?
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
- 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 vanilla and oak
- Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
- 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 spice
- Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
- 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 creamy, rounded mouthfeel, while moving away from too heavy, too austere and too peppery.
- You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about alcohol, 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.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has noticeably less of the full body and weight.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Substantially less heavy.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- More peppery, not less.
Palo Cortado
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- More peppery, not less.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- More heavy, not less.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Both come from the same country.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- More heavy, not less.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
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.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Oloroso sherry
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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 Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Palo Cortado
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Oloroso sherry
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and spicier.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
California traditional-method sparkling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Corpinnat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and leaner and more cutting.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.
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.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and leaner and more cutting.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less spicy.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
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.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Palo Cortado
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less spicy.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Palo Cortado
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
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.
Oloroso sherry
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Palo Cortado
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
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.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
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.