If you like this, try…
Wines like Sauternes
The benchmark botrytised sweet wine: honey, apricot and saffron, held together by piercing acidity. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Sauternes?
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.
- 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.
- 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 how much it smells of, before you even taste it and the touch of sweetness, while moving away from too perfumed and too peppery.
- You said you like how much it smells of, before you even taste it and that it is too perfumed. Both are about aromatic 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.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wines from around the Neusiedlersee at a fraction of the price.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps the touch of sweetness.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps the touch of sweetness.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps the touch of sweetness.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
Beerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps the touch of sweetness.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Recioto della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps the touch of sweetness.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Tokaji Aszú
curatedThe other great botrytised wine tradition, with the same honeyed intensity and acidity.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps the touch of sweetness.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- More peppery, not less.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps the touch of sweetness.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Has some of the touch of sweetness, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- About as peppery 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.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wines from around the Neusiedlersee at a fraction of the price.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, but often excellent value.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Beerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wines from around the Neusiedlersee at a fraction of the price.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, but often excellent value.
Beerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Auslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Szamorodni
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Coteaux du Layon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Canadian Icewine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wines from around the Neusiedlersee at a fraction of the price.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, but often excellent value.
Beerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Recioto della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Sauternes across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wines from around the Neusiedlersee at a fraction of the price.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, but often excellent value.
Tokaji Aszú
curatedThe other great botrytised wine tradition, with the same honeyed intensity and acidity.
Expect: More orange peel and a smoky, savoury edge, with even higher acidity.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Recioto della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Vin de Constance
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Asti
Asti scores closest to Sauternes across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato d’Asti scores closest to Sauternes across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Champagne
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Sauternes across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Muscadelle
Both are made from muscadelle, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Sauternes across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Petit Manseng
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
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.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Beerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Canadian Icewine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wines from around the Neusiedlersee at a fraction of the price.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, but often excellent value.
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.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wines from around the Neusiedlersee at a fraction of the price.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, but often excellent value.
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.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Vin de Constance
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wines from around the Neusiedlersee at a fraction of the price.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, but often excellent value.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
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.
Coteaux du Layon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Vin de Constance
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Eiswein
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.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Szamorodni
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Tokaji Aszú
curatedThe other great botrytised wine tradition, with the same honeyed intensity and acidity.
Expect: More orange peel and a smoky, savoury edge, with even higher acidity.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wines from around the Neusiedlersee at a fraction of the price.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, but often excellent value.
Beerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
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.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wines from around the Neusiedlersee at a fraction of the price.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, but often excellent value.
Beerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wines from around the Neusiedlersee at a fraction of the price.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, but often excellent value.
Canadian Icewine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Beerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
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.
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.