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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.

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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.

I like…

How full and weighty it is The creamy, rounded texture How aromatic it is The savoury, meaty side That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too heavy too oaky or woody too peppery too perfumed too savoury or funky too austere

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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 how much it smells of, before you even taste it and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too peppery.

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.

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.

Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less peppery.

Palo Cortado

Both are made from palomino fino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
More peppery, not less.

Oloroso sherry

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

Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
More peppery, not less.

Moscatel de Setúbal

Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less peppery.

Marsala

Marsala scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Has noticeably less of how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
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.

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 more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Palo Cortado

Both are made from palomino fino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier.

Oloroso 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 spicier, and fruitier.

Moscatel de Setúbal

Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

Moscatel de Setúbal

Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Marsala

Marsala scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.

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 more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Retsina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Champagne

Champagne scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Valais Petite Arvine

Valais Petite Arvine scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.

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.

Retsina

Retsina scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Champagne

Champagne scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Szamorodni

Szamorodni scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.

Vin Jaune

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Oloroso sherry

Both are made from palomino fino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Moscatel de Setúbal

Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Pedro Ximénez sherry

Both come from the same country.

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

Palo Cortado

Both are made from palomino fino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter.

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.

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 more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Palo Cortado

Both are made from palomino fino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier.

Oloroso 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 spicier, and fruitier.

Moscatel de Setúbal

Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Oloroso 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 spicier, and fruitier.

Moscatel de Setúbal

Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Marsala

Marsala scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.

Madeira

Madeira scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Vin Jaune

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Champagne

Champagne scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Madeira

Madeira scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.

Similar but softer

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

Moscatel de Setúbal

Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Marsala

Marsala scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.

Pedro Ximénez sherry

Both come from the same country.

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

White Port

White Port scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Corpinnat

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

English sparkling wine

English sparkling wine scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Cava

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Szamorodni

Szamorodni scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.

Champagne

Champagne scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Valais Petite Arvine

Valais Petite Arvine scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.

Scheurebe

Scheurebe scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

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 more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Retsina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Austrian Riesling

Austrian Riesling scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Sercial

Sercial scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Oloroso 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 spicier, and fruitier.

Palo Cortado

Both are made from palomino fino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less oaky.

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 more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Moscatel de Setúbal

Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

Palo Cortado

Both are made from palomino fino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less floral.

Oloroso sherry

Both are made from palomino fino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

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 more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Moscatel de Setúbal

Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

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 more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Marsala

Marsala scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.

Madeira

Madeira scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.

White Port

White Port scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

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 more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Palo Cortado

Both are made from palomino fino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less floral.

Oloroso 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 spicier, and fruitier.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Fino and Manzanilla sherry

Both are made from palomino fino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Palo Cortado

Both are made from palomino fino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Oloroso sherry

Both are made from palomino fino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Similar but fruitier

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

Oloroso 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 spicier, and fruitier.

Moscatel de Setúbal

Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Marsala

Marsala scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.

White Port

White Port scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

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 more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Palo Cortado

Both are made from palomino fino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Oloroso 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 spicier, and fruitier.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Oloroso 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 spicier, and fruitier.

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 more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Palo Cortado

Both are made from palomino fino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter.

Change the mood

Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.

Something more adventurous

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

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 more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Palo Cortado

Both are made from palomino fino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier.

Oloroso 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 spicier, and fruitier.

Moscatel de Setúbal

Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.

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 more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Palo Cortado

Both are made from palomino fino, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier.

Oloroso 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 spicier, and fruitier.

Moscatel de Setúbal

Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Amontillado sherry across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.