If you like this, try…
Wines like Marsala
Sicily’s fortified wine, made in dry and sweet styles and badly served by its reputation as a cooking ingredient. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Marsala?
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.
- 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.
- 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 savoury, non-fruity character and the tropical, exotic fruit, while moving away from too heavy, too savoury or funky and too peppery.
- You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about savoury character, 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- More heavy, not less.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Both sit in the same style family.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- More heavy, not less.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less peppery.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Fino and Manzanilla sherry scores closest to Marsala across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less heavy.
- More savoury or funky, not less.
- Substantially less peppery.
Madeira
Both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- More savoury or funky, not less.
- More peppery, not less.
Grillo
Both are made from grillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- 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.
White 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 more restrained in fruit.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
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 stronger and warmer.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Fino and Manzanilla sherry scores closest to Marsala across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
White 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 more restrained in fruit.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
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 stronger and warmer.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Fino and Manzanilla sherry scores closest to Marsala across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
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.
Grillo
Both are made from grillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Fino and Manzanilla sherry scores closest to Marsala across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Catarratto
Both are made from catarratto, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Grillo
Both are made from grillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Catarratto
Both are made from catarratto, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
Rheinhessen Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more restrained in fruit.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more restrained in fruit.
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 stronger and warmer.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Oloroso sherry
Oloroso sherry scores closest to Marsala across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
White Port
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 restrained in fruit.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
White 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 more restrained in fruit.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
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 stronger and warmer.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
Amontillado sherry
Amontillado sherry scores closest to Marsala across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Fino and Manzanilla sherry scores closest to Marsala across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Grillo
Both are made from grillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Catarratto
Both are made from catarratto, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Rheinhessen Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
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 softer and rounder.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fuller and richer.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
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, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Austrian Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Grillo
Both are made from grillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Catarratto
Both are made from catarratto, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
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 fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Asti
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
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 stronger and warmer.
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.
Grillo
Both are made from grillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Fino and Manzanilla sherry scores closest to Marsala across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Catarratto
Both are made from catarratto, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more restrained in fruit.
White Port
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 restrained in fruit.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
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 stronger and warmer.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Fino and Manzanilla sherry scores closest to Marsala across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
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 more aromatic.
Solaris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Fino and Manzanilla sherry scores closest to Marsala across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Madeira
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Amontillado sherry
Amontillado sherry scores closest to Marsala across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
White 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 more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
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 stronger and warmer.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Grillo
Both are made from grillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Catarratto
Both are made from catarratto, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Etna Bianco
Both are made from catarratto, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
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
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 more restrained in fruit.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
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 stronger and warmer.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Fino and Manzanilla sherry scores closest to Marsala across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
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
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 more restrained in fruit.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
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 stronger and warmer.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
Fino and Manzanilla sherry scores closest to Marsala across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
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.