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 moving away from too heavy, too sweet and too perfumed.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less sweet.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- More heavy, not less.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Tokaji Aszú
curatedThe other great botrytised wine tradition, with the same honeyed intensity and acidity.
- A little less heavy.
- About as sweet as the wine you started from.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less heavy.
- About as sweet as the wine you started from.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wines from around the Neusiedlersee at a fraction of the price.
- A little less heavy.
- About as sweet as the wine you started from.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
Beerenauslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- A little less heavy.
- About as sweet as the wine you started from.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
Trockenbeerenauslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- A little less heavy.
- About as sweet as the wine you started from.
- About as perfumed 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
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 stronger and warmer.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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 stronger and warmer.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Eiswein
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 less oaky.
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 stronger and warmer.
Eiswein
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
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.
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 structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Sauternes across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
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
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 stronger and warmer.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
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.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Sauternes across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Vin de Constance
Vin de Constance scores closest to Sauternes across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Champagne
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Sauternes across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Sauternes across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
English Blanc de Noirs
English Blanc de Noirs scores closest to Sauternes across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Szamorodni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 leaner and more cutting.
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 fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Trockenbeerenauslese
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 sweeter.
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.
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 stronger and warmer.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
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.
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 stronger and warmer.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and sweeter.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Sauternes across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Vin de Constance
Vin de Constance scores closest to Sauternes across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Muscadelle
Both are made from muscadelle, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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 stronger and warmer.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
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 less oaky.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
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 stronger and warmer.
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.
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.
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 stronger and warmer.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Eiswein
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
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 stronger and warmer.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.
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.