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 the tropical, exotic fruit, the creamy, rounded mouthfeel and that it is not too alcoholic, 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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, 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.
Furmint
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 more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Furmint
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 more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more restrained in fruit.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and leaner and more cutting.
Müller-Thurgau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 leaner and more cutting, 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 in alcohol, and more restrained in fruit.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Parellada
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.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
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.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Furmint
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 more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
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 more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
Ribolla Gialla
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Ribolla Gialla
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
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 softer and rounder.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more restrained in fruit.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Antão Vaz
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.
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.
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.
Australian traditional-method sparkling
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 drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Xarel·lo
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 stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Coteaux du Layon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Canadian Icewine
Both are made from vidal, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
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 leaner and more cutting.
Scheurebe
Scheurebe scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Furmint
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 more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and leaner and more cutting.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria 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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Furmint
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 more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
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.
Furmint
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 more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.