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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.

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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.

I like…

The tropical fruit That it is not too strong How full and weighty it is The spice How aromatic it is The touch of sweetness

But it’s a bit…

too tropical or sweet-smelling too alcoholic or warming too heavy too peppery too perfumed too sweet

Clear all

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 moving away from too peppery and too sweet.

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.

Auslese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less sweet.

Vin Santo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less sweet.

Szamorodni

Both are made from furmint, and both sit in the same style family.

Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less sweet.

Austrian botrytis sweet wine

curated

Botrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.

Substantially less peppery.
About as sweet as the wine you started from.

Sauternes

curated

The other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.

Substantially less peppery.
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.

Substantially less peppery.
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.

Substantially less peppery.
About as sweet as the wine you started from.

Vinsanto (Santorini)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less peppery.
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.

Auslese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Vin Santo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Szamorodni

Both are made from furmint, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.

Austrian botrytis sweet wine

curated

Botrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.

Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Auslese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Vin Santo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Sauternes

curated

The other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.

Expect: Rounder and less smoky, with lower acidity.

Beerenauslese

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.

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 fruit-driven, and less oaky.

Eiswein

Eiswein scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.

Moscato d’Asti

Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.

Mosel Riesling

Mosel Riesling scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.

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.

Mosel Riesling

Mosel Riesling scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.

Auslese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and stronger and warmer.

Austrian botrytis sweet wine

curated

Botrytised 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 more neutral and subtle.

Marsala

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.

Malvasia

Malvasia scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.

Albana

Albana scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.

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 broader and softer, and stronger and warmer.

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 more floral.

Recioto della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more neutral and subtle.

Sauternes

curated

The other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.

Expect: Rounder and less smoky, with lower acidity.

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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Furmint

Both are made from furmint, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Szamorodni

Both are made from furmint, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Auslese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Vin Santo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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 more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Beerenauslese

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 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 spicier.

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 oaky, and broader and softer.

Sauternes

curated

The 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 oaky.

California Chardonnay

California Chardonnay scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and broader and softer.

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 more fruit-driven, and lighter.

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 more fruit-driven.

Austrian botrytis sweet wine

curated

Botrytised 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 more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

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 broader and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Szamorodni

Both are made from furmint, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.

Recioto della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more neutral and subtle.

Furmint

Both are made from furmint, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

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 more fruit-driven.

Moscato d’Asti

Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.

Asti

Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

Both are made from muscat blanc à petits grains.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.

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 more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.

Szamorodni

Both are made from furmint, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.

Auslese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Vinsanto (Santorini)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Auslese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Austrian botrytis sweet wine

curated

Botrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.

Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.

Sauternes

curated

The other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.

Expect: Rounder and less smoky, with lower acidity.

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 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.

Austrian botrytis sweet wine

curated

Botrytised 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 more floral.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Szamorodni

Both are made from furmint, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.

Austrian botrytis sweet wine

curated

Botrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.

Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.

Furmint

Both are made from furmint, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

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 softer and rounder.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

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 more floral.

Austrian botrytis sweet wine

curated

Botrytised 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.

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.

Sauternes

curated

The other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.

Expect: Rounder and less smoky, with lower acidity.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Auslese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Vin Santo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Szamorodni

Both are made from furmint, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and drier.

Austrian botrytis sweet wine

curated

Botrytised 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.

Auslese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Vin Santo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Austrian botrytis sweet wine

curated

Botrytised 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.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Sauternes

curated

The other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.

Expect: Rounder and less smoky, with lower acidity.

How these are chosen

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.