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.
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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.
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 full body and weight, that the fruit is not covered in oak and the tropical, exotic fruit, while moving away from too perfumed.
- 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.
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.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
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
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Rkatsiteli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
Ribolla Gialla
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Trebbiano Spoletino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Méthode Cap Classique
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
California traditional-method sparkling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Coteaux du Layon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Godello
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Vidiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Soave Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer 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.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
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.