If you like this, try…
Wines like Tokaji Aszú
Hungary’s great botrytised sweet wine, from a region classified before Bordeaux — honeyed, smoky and held up by ferocious acidity. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Tokaji Aszú?
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.
- That it is not too strong
- Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
- 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 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.
- 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 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 that it is not too alcoholic, the tropical, exotic fruit and how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming.
- You said you like that it is not too alcoholic and that it is too alcoholic or warming. Both are about alcohol, 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.
Sauternes
curatedThe other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Vin de Constance
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Beerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Canadian Icewine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Auslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Szamorodni
Both are made from furmint, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sauternes
curatedThe other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.
Expect: Rounder and less smoky, with lower acidity.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Vin de Constance
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sauternes
curatedThe other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.
Expect: Rounder and less smoky, with lower acidity.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Beerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
Canadian Icewine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
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
Eiswein scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
Sauternes
curatedThe other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.
Expect: Rounder and less smoky, with lower acidity.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Vin de Constance
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter in alcohol.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more neutral and subtle.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Asti
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Sekt
Sekt scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter in alcohol.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
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.
Beerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
Auslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
Trockenbeerenauslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sauternes
curatedThe other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.
Expect: Rounder and less smoky, with lower acidity.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and broader and softer.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Vin de Constance
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Sauternes
curatedThe other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.
Expect: Rounder and less smoky, with lower acidity.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Szamorodni
Both are made from furmint, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Coteaux du Layon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Vin de Constance
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter in alcohol.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
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.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
Szamorodni
Both are made from furmint, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
Sauternes
curatedThe other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.
Expect: Rounder and less smoky, with lower acidity.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Sauternes
curatedThe other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.
Expect: Rounder and less smoky, with lower acidity.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
Vin de Constance
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Beerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, somewhere else
Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.
Vin de Constance
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
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.
Szamorodni
Both are made from furmint, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
Vin de Constance
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Vin de Constance
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
Szamorodni
Both are made from furmint, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Vin de Constance
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
Beerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
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 wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Vin de Constance
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Beerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
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.