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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 sweet and too tropical or sweet-smelling.

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 sweet.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Vin Santo

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

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
About as sweet as the wine you started from.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Vinsanto (Santorini)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
More sweet, not less.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling 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.
More sweet, not less.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.

Recioto della Valpolicella

Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
More sweet, not less.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Vin de Constance

Both sit in the same style family.

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
More sweet, not less.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.

Madeira

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

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less sweet.
Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Pfalz Riesling

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

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less sweet.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

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 lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Vin Santo

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

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

Vinsanto (Santorini)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Sauternes

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

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 lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Vin Santo

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

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

Vinsanto (Santorini)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Sauternes

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.

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 fuller and richer.

Vin Santo

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

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

Valais Petite Arvine

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

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

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 drier, and less oaky.

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 lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Vin Santo

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

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

Tokaji Aszú

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

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

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 sweeter, and softer and rounder.

Vinsanto (Santorini)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Sauternes

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Recioto della Valpolicella

Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 sweeter, and softer and rounder.

Szamorodni

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

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

Vinsanto (Santorini)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Sauternes

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Recioto della Valpolicella

Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Madeira

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

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

Marsala

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

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

Friuli white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Sauternes

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Furmint

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

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

Rheingau Riesling

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 drier.

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 softer and rounder, and sweeter.

Recioto della Valpolicella

Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Vin de Constance

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.

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 drier.

Austrian Sekt

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Champagne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English Blanc de Noirs

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

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 drier, and less oaky.

Madeira

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

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

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 drier, and less oaky.

Valais Petite Arvine

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Vinsanto (Santorini)

Vinsanto (Santorini) scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Sauternes

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Recioto della Valpolicella

Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Pedro Ximénez sherry

Pedro Ximénez sherry scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 sweeter, and softer and rounder.

Szamorodni

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

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

Vinsanto (Santorini)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Sauternes

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

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 lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Vin Santo

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

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

Vinsanto (Santorini)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vin de Constance

Both sit in the same style family.

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

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 lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Vin Santo

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

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

Recioto della Valpolicella

Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Pfalz Riesling

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 drier.

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 sweeter, and less oaky.

Alsace Pinot Gris

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.

Alsace Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vouvray

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Vin Santo

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

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

Vinsanto (Santorini)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Madeira

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Szamorodni

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

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

Vin Santo

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

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

Sauternes

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Recioto della Valpolicella

Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

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 sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Rheingau Riesling

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 drier.

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 drier, 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 drier.

Alsace Riesling

Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.

Beerenauslese

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

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

Pfalz Riesling

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 drier.

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 sweeter, and fruitier.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Vin Santo

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

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

Vinsanto (Santorini)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Recioto della Valpolicella

Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Vin Santo

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

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

Vinsanto (Santorini)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Recioto della Valpolicella

Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 sweeter, and fruitier.

Tokaji Aszú

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

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

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.