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 moving away from too peppery, too perfumed and too austere.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less austere.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less austere.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- More peppery, not less.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less austere.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Both come from the same country.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less austere.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
Szamorodni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less austere.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less austere.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 less spicy.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more neutral and subtle.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.
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 less spicy.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter in alcohol.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
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.
Szamorodni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more neutral and subtle.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Oloroso sherry
Both are made from palomino fino, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more neutral and subtle.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 less spicy.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more neutral and subtle.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
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 spicier, and more neutral and subtle.
Szamorodni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more neutral and subtle.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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 less spicy.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
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 drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more neutral and subtle.
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 sweeter, and more aromatic.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Both are made from palomino fino, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
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 more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Both are made from palomino fino, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
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 sweeter, and more aromatic.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
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 less spicy.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more neutral and subtle.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more neutral and subtle.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
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.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 less spicy.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more neutral and subtle.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 less spicy.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more neutral and subtle.
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.