If you like this, try…
Wines like Madeira
Fortified wine deliberately heated during ageing, giving extraordinary acidity, longevity and near-indestructibility once opened. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Madeira?
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
- 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.
- How fresh and crisp it is
- Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 the peppery, spicy character, while moving away from too heavy, too peppery and too oaky or woody.
- You said you like the peppery, spicy character and that it is too peppery. Both are about spice, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the peppery, spicy character and that it is too oaky or woody. Both are about spice, 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.
White Port
Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Palo Cortado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- More heavy, not less.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Oloroso sherry
curatedComparable oxidative depth in a dry wine.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- More heavy, not less.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- About as oaky or woody 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.
White Port
Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Palo Cortado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Verdelho
Both are made from verdelho, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Valais Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
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.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Rheingau Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Oloroso sherry
curatedComparable oxidative depth in a dry wine.
Expect: Bone dry and more saline.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.
White Port
Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
White Port
Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Palo Cortado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Ruby Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
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.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
White Port
Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
White Port
Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Savagnin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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 spicy, and fuller and richer.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Auslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Vin de Constance
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Verdelho
Both are made from verdelho, 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.
Sercial
Both are made from sercial, 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 more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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.
White Port
Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Palo Cortado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Sancerre
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.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Palo Cortado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
White Port
Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Ruby Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
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.
White Port
Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Verdelho
Both are made from verdelho, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Sercial
Both are made from sercial, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
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.
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.
White Port
Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more 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.
White Port
Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
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.