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Wines like Vidal

A thick-skinned hybrid that made Canadian icewine possible. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Vidal?

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 creamy, rounded texture That it is not oaky How aromatic it is

But it’s a bit…

too alcoholic or warming too heavy too buttery or thick too plain or too simple 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 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.
That it is not oaky: No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
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 tropical, exotic fruit, while moving away from too perfumed, too buttery or thick and too sweet.

You said you like the tropical, exotic fruit and that it is too perfumed. 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 buttery or thick. 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.

Verdelho

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

Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less sweet.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less sweet.

Sercial

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

Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less sweet.

English still white

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

Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less sweet.

Vinho Verde

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

Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less sweet.

Avesso

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

Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
Substantially less perfumed.
A little less buttery or thick.
Substantially less sweet.

Šipon

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

Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less sweet.

Arinto

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

Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less sweet.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Verdelho

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.

Sercial

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Verdelho

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.

Sercial

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

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.

Hunter Valley Semillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Kabinett

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.

Vinho Verde

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and leaner and more cutting.

Colombard

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

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.

Hunter Valley Semillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Kabinett

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.

Mosel Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and sweeter.

Vinho Verde

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and leaner and more cutting.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Condrieu

Condrieu scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Viognier

Viognier scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

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.

Verdelho

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Dry Furmint

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Trebbiano Spoletino

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Rkatsiteli

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Brda Rebula

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Kisi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Vinho Verde

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and leaner and more cutting.

Šipon

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

California Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Antão Vaz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pošip

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Auxerrois

Auxerrois scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Austrian Sekt

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

Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fresher.

Crémant

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more sparkling.

English sparkling wine

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more sparkling.

English Blanc de Blancs

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more sparkling.

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Verdelho

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.

Austrian Sekt

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

Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fresher.

Vinho Verde

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and leaner and more cutting.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Bual

Bual scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Moscato d’Asti

Moscato d’Asti scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.

Auslese

Auslese scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.

Coteaux du Layon

Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Dry Furmint

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Chilean Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.

Moschofilero

Moschofilero scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.

Torrontés

Torrontés scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Verdelho

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

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

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Sercial

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.

Avesso

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

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

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Alsace Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.

Kabinett

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.

Albariño

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Sercial

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.

Hunter Valley Semillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Savennières

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Similar but fruitier

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

Spätlese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.

Petit Manseng

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.

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.

Vinho Verde

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and leaner and more cutting.

Chablis

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Riesling

curated

The other icewine variety in the same region, and the point of comparison Canadian producers themselves use.

Expect: Riesling icewine is more precise and ages far longer.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Something more adventurous

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

Verdelho

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.

Sercial

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

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.

Verdelho

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.

Sercial

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

A step up

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

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

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.