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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 that the fruit is not covered in oak, that it is not too alcoholic and how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too perfumed.

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.

Riesling

curated

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
About as perfumed as the wine you started from.

Trebbiano Romagnolo

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
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.

Müller-Thurgau

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
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.

Parellada

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
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.

Colombard

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
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.

Vinho Verde

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
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.

Hondarrabi Zuri

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
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.

Txakoli

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
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.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 lighter in alcohol, and drier.

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.

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.

Mosel Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Kabinett

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.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Beerenauslese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 drier.

Auxerrois

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

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

Xarel·lo

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

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

Altesse

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Rkatsiteli

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

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

Albana

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

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

Malvazija Istarska

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

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

Tsolikouri

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Colombard

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 lighter, and drier.

Txakoli

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Vinho Verde

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Auxerrois

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

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

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Antão Vaz

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

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

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.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.

Prosecco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.

Franciacorta

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Colombard

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 lighter, and drier.

Hunter Valley Semillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.

Parellada

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Similar but sweeter

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

Beerenauslese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Eiswein

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.

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.

Verdicchio

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Marsanne

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Pošip

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.

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.

Scheurebe

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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 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.

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.

Hondarrabi Zuri

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Txakoli

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Similar but more floral

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

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.

Müller-Thurgau

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

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

Parellada

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Vinho Verde

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Similar but more savoury

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

Hunter Valley Semillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.

Hondarrabi Zuri

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Txakoli

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Muscadet

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Similar but fruitier

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

Spätlese

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

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

Petit Manseng

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.

Muscat of Alexandria

Muscat of Alexandria 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.

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.

Vinho Verde

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Glera

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.

Pinot Grigio

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.

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.

Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Vinho Verde

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.

Mosel Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.

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.