If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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.
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 that it is not too alcoholic and how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too perfumed and too sweet.
- You said you like how much it smells of, before you even taste it 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.
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.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less sweet.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less sweet.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less sweet.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less sweet.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less sweet.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less sweet.
Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less sweet.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- 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.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
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 more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and stronger and warmer.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and lighter.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Auxerrois
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and lighter.
Franciacorta
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.
Méthode Cap Classique
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.
California traditional-method sparkling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Auslese
Auslese scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and stronger and warmer.
Asti
Asti scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Vin Santo
Vin Santo scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and stronger and warmer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
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.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Hondarrabi Zuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Garganega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 more aromatic, and sweeter.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
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 lighter, and fresher.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.
Riesling
curatedThe 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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 stronger and warmer, and drier.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
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.