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Wines like Auslese

"Selected harvest" — individually selected very ripe bunches, often with some botrytis. Usually, though not always, sweet. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Auslese?

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 tropical fruit That it is not too strong How full and weighty it is That it is not oaky How aromatic it is The touch of sweetness

But it’s a bit…

too tropical or sweet-smelling too alcoholic or warming too plain or too simple too peppery too perfumed too sweet

Clear all

What these words mean

The tropical fruit: Passionfruit, mango, pineapple, guava. It comes from riper fruit and warmer sites, and it is the difference between Marlborough and Sancerre in the same grape.
That it is not too strong: Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
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.
That it is not oaky: No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
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 touch of sweetness: Actual sugar left in the wine, which is a different thing from tasting fruity. A wine can smell of ripe peach and be completely dry.

Looking for something moving away from too alcoholic or warming, too plain or too simple, too perfumed and 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.

Szamorodni

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

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less peppery.

Vin Santo

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

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less perfumed.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Vinsanto (Santorini)

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

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Recioto della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less perfumed.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Sauternes

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Vin de Constance

Both sit in the same style family.

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Canadian Icewine

Both are made from riesling.

About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less peppery.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Szamorodni

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.

Vin Santo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.

Vinsanto (Santorini)

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.

Recioto della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Szamorodni

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.

Vin Santo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.

Vinsanto (Santorini)

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.

Recioto della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

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.

Szamorodni

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.

Vin Santo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.

German dry Riesling (trocken)

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

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

Vinsanto (Santorini)

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.

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.

Eiswein

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Szamorodni

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.

Vin Santo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.

Canadian Icewine

Both are made from riesling.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Vin Santo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.

Vinsanto (Santorini)

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.

Recioto della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sauternes

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Vin Santo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.

Szamorodni

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.

Vinsanto (Santorini)

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.

Sauternes

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Recioto della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Friuli white

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

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

Marsala

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Moscatel de Setúbal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.

Similar but fresher

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

Szamorodni

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.

Sauternes

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vinsanto (Santorini)

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.

Canadian Icewine

Both are made from riesling.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Similar but softer

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

Vin Santo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.

Recioto della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vin de Constance

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

The sparkling version

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

Sekt

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Austrian Sekt

Both are made from riesling.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Champagne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Franciacorta

Franciacorta scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

Chilean Chardonnay

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

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

Friuli white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

German dry Riesling (trocken)

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Coteaux du Layon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Moscatel de Setúbal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.

Pedro Ximénez sherry

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vinsanto (Santorini)

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Vin Santo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.

Szamorodni

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.

Vinsanto (Santorini)

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.

Sauternes

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Szamorodni

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.

Vin Santo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.

Vinsanto (Santorini)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.

Vin de Constance

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.

Similar but more restrained

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

Szamorodni

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.

Vin Santo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.

Recioto della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Vin de Constance

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.

Moscatel de Setúbal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fiano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Szamorodni

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.

Vin Santo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.

Vinsanto (Santorini)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.

South African 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 fruitier

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

Recioto della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sauternes

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vinsanto (Santorini)

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.

Szamorodni

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, somewhere else

Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.

Canadian Icewine

Both are made from riesling.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

German dry Riesling (trocken)

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

Rheingau Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

Canadian Icewine

Both are made from riesling.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Sekt

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Canadian Icewine

Both are made from riesling.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.

Beerenauslese

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Pfalz Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

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.

Sauternes

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

German dry Riesling (trocken)

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Szamorodni

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.

Vin Santo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.

Vinsanto (Santorini)

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.

Recioto della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.

Szamorodni

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.

Vin Santo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.

Vinsanto (Santorini)

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.

Recioto della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

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

Sauternes

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tokaji Aszú

Tokaji Aszú scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

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.