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 the touch of sweetness and the peppery, spicy character, while moving away from too sweet.
- You said you like the touch of sweetness and that it is too sweet. Both are about sweetness, 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 wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
- Keeps the touch of sweetness.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- About as sweet as the wine you started from.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the touch of sweetness, though less of it.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the touch of sweetness, though less of it.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Trockenbeerenauslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the touch of sweetness.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- About as sweet as the wine you started from.
Sauternes
curatedThe other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.
- Keeps the touch of sweetness.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- About as sweet as the wine you started from.
Beerenauslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the touch of sweetness.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- About as sweet as the wine you started from.
Vin de Constance
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the touch of sweetness.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- About as sweet as the wine you started from.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the touch of sweetness.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- About as sweet 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 wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Sauternes
curatedThe other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.
Expect: Rounder and less smoky, with lower acidity.
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 less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Eiswein
Eiswein scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Trockenbeerenauslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
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 less spicy, and sweeter.
Trockenbeerenauslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
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 sweeter, and less spicy.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
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 sweeter, and less spicy.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less spicy.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
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 less spicy, and lighter.
Moscato d’Asti
Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stiller.
Vouvray
Vouvray scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Beerenauslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less spicy.
Eiswein
Eiswein scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Sauternes
curatedThe other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.
Expect: Rounder and less smoky, with lower acidity.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less spicy.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
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.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
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 sweeter, and less spicy.
Trockenbeerenauslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less spicy.
Szamorodni
Both are made from furmint, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less spicy.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less spicy.
Auslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
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 less spicy, and lighter.
Trockenbeerenauslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
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.
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.
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 sweeter, and less spicy.
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.
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 both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.
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 sweeter, and less spicy.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less spicy.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
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.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 sweeter, and more fruit-driven.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
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.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 sweeter, 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.