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 the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, while moving away from too buttery or thick.
- You said you like the creamy, rounded mouthfeel and that it is too buttery or thick. Both are about texture, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the creamy, rounded mouthfeel 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.
Riesling
curatedThe other icewine variety in the same region, and the point of comparison Canadian producers themselves use.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has noticeably less of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Loureiro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Jacquère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Hondarrabi Zuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Muscadet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
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
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.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Loureiro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Loureiro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
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.
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.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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.
Loureiro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
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 leaner and more cutting.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Moscato d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
Beerenauslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
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.
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.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Loureiro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
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.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
Trebbiano Spoletino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Loureiro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
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.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Auxerrois
Auxerrois scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
Antão Vaz
Antão Vaz scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
Malagousia
Malagousia scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sekt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.
Austrian Sekt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.
Crémant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.
English sparkling wine
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.
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.
Jacquère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Loureiro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Coteaux du Layon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and stronger and warmer.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
Moscato d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and stronger and warmer.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and stronger and warmer.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and stronger and warmer.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
Mantinia Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and softer and rounder.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, 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.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Jacquère
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 drier, and lighter.
Colombard
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.
Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more floral.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
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.
Loureiro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Muscadet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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.
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 floral, and fresher.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and stronger and warmer.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and lighter.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Loureiro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Melon de Bourgogne
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.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Loureiro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Melon de Bourgogne
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.
Tokaji Aszú
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
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.