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 peppery, spicy character, the tropical, exotic fruit and the full body and weight, while moving away from too tropical or sweet-smelling.
- You said you like the tropical, exotic fruit and that it is too tropical or sweet-smelling. Both are about fruit intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the tropical, exotic fruit and that it is too tropical or sweet-smelling. Both are about aromatic intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the tropical, exotic fruit and that it is too tropical or sweet-smelling. Both are about acidity, 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.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Sauternes
curatedThe other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Trockenbeerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Beerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling 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.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling 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 noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
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.
Sauternes
curatedThe other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.
Expect: Rounder and less smoky, with lower acidity.
Trockenbeerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less spicy.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Trockenbeerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Sauternes
curatedThe other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.
Expect: Rounder and less smoky, with lower acidity.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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 fruitier, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Eiswein
Eiswein scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
Trockenbeerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
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 lighter in alcohol.
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 fruitier.
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 fruitier, and more aromatic.
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 stronger and warmer, and fruitier.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and lighter.
Oloroso sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
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 stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
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 fruitier.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
Oloroso sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sekt
Sekt scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
English Blanc de Noirs
English Blanc de Noirs scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Austrian Sekt
Austrian Sekt scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and lighter.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.
Trockenbeerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Beerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Auslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Eiswein
Eiswein scores closest to Tokaji Aszú across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less spicy.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fruitier.
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.
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 more aromatic, and fruitier.
Trockenbeerenauslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Sauternes
curatedThe other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.
Expect: Rounder and less smoky, with lower acidity.
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 stronger and warmer, and less spicy.
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 less spicy, and lighter.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and lighter.
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 more aromatic, and fruitier.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
Trockenbeerenauslese
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 fruitier.
Sauternes
curatedThe other great botrytised tradition, with the same honeyed intensity.
Expect: Rounder and less smoky, with lower acidity.
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 stronger and warmer, and lighter.
Oloroso sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less spicy.
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 less spicy, and lighter.
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.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
Trockenbeerenauslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Sauternes
curatedThe 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 fruitier, and more aromatic.
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 fruitier, and more aromatic.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 softer and rounder, and fruitier.
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.
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 fruitier, and more aromatic.
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 lighter, and less spicy.
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.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
Trockenbeerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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 fruitier, 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.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
curatedBotrytised wine from the neighbouring Pannonian basin.
Expect: Lighter and less complex, at lower prices.
Trockenbeerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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 fruitier, and more aromatic.
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.