If you like this, try…
Wines like Austrian botrytis sweet wine
Botrytised sweet wines from around the Neusiedlersee — reliable, high in acid, and consistently better value than Sauternes. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Austrian botrytis sweet wine?
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.
- 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.
- 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 peppery, too perfumed and too sweet.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less sweet.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less sweet.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less sweet.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- About as sweet as the wine you started from.
Sauternes
curatedThe benchmark botrytised sweet wine.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- About as sweet as the wine you started from.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- About as sweet as the wine you started from.
Beerenauslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- About as sweet as the wine you started from.
Vin de Constance
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- About as sweet 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.
Szamorodni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Szamorodni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
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.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Eiswein
Eiswein scores closest to Austrian botrytis sweet wine across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Trockenbeerenauslese
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Austrian botrytis sweet wine across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Austrian botrytis sweet wine across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Austrian botrytis sweet wine 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
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 stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Vin de Constance
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Austrian botrytis sweet wine across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Szamorodni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
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.
Asti
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Champagne
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from grüner veltliner, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Sekt
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Welschriesling
Both are made from welschriesling, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Beerenauslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Trockenbeerenauslese
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Sauternes
curatedThe benchmark botrytised sweet wine.
Expect: More concentrated and complex, at several times the price.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Vinsanto (Santorini) scores closest to Austrian botrytis sweet wine across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Szamorodni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Auslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and sweeter.
Vin de Constance
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and sweeter.
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, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Austrian botrytis sweet wine across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and sweeter.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Asti
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Szamorodni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Tokaji Aszú
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Vinsanto (Santorini) scores closest to Austrian botrytis sweet wine across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
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.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Beerenauslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
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.
Vin de Constance
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Tokaji Aszú
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
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.
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.
Vin de Constance
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Tokaji Aszú
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
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
curatedThe benchmark botrytised sweet wine.
Expect: More concentrated and complex, at several times the price.
Tokaji Aszú
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Szamorodni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
Tokaji Aszú
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
Sauternes
curatedThe benchmark botrytised sweet wine.
Expect: More concentrated and complex, at several times the price.
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.