If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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.
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 keeping that it is not too alcoholic, while moving away from too sweet, too alcoholic or warming and too peppery.
- You said you like that it is not too alcoholic and that it is too alcoholic or warming. 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.
Szamorodni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- About as sweet as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Canadian Icewine
Both are made from riesling.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- More sweet, not less.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Vinsanto (Santorini) scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- More sweet, not less.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- More sweet, not less.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Vin de Constance
Both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- More sweet, not less.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Pfalz Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Canadian Icewine
Both are made from riesling.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Vinsanto (Santorini) scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Vinsanto (Santorini) scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
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.
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 lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Spätlese
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 lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Szamorodni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Canadian Icewine
Both are made from riesling.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Vinsanto (Santorini) scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Szamorodni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Canadian Icewine
Both are made from riesling.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Vinsanto (Santorini) scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
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 spicier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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 less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Alsace Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Vin de Constance
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
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 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 drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from riesling.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 spicy.
Alsace Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Nahe 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 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 drier, and less spicy.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Canadian Icewine
Both are made from riesling.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less spicy.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less spicy.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Szamorodni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Vinsanto (Santorini) scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Sauternes
Sauternes scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Szamorodni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Vin de Constance
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
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 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 sweeter, and spicier.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Szamorodni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
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 spicy.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Vinsanto (Santorini) scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Canadian Icewine
Both are made from riesling.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Vin de Constance
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
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.
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.
Alsace Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Nahe 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 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 drier, and less spicy.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Both are made from riesling, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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.
Szamorodni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Canadian Icewine
Both are made from riesling.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Vinsanto (Santorini) scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Canadian Icewine
Both are made from riesling.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Vinsanto (Santorini) scores closest to Auslese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.