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 tropical, exotic fruit and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too savoury or funky.
- 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.
- You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about fruit intensity, 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.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Madeira
Both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- More savoury or funky, not less.
Vin Doux Naturel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
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 more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Madeira
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
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 more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Madeira
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
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 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.
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 more fruit-driven.
Rheinhessen Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Vin Doux Naturel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more tannic and structured.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
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 more restrained in fruit.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and drier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Vintage Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Vin Doux Naturel
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 sweeter.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Madeira
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Chilean Chardonnay
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 softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
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.
Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
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 more savoury.
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 more savoury.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
Recioto della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fresher and more acidic.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
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.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
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 more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
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 more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
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 more fruit-driven.
Oloroso sherry
Oloroso sherry scores closest to Marsala across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Both come from the same country.
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.
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.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
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 more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Vin Doux Naturel
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 sweeter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Madeira
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Oloroso sherry
Oloroso sherry scores closest to Marsala across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
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 more restrained in fruit, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Vin Doux Naturel
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 sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
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.
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
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 more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Madeira
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
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 more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Madeira
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
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.