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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 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

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.
Has noticeably less of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Petite Arvine

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Spätlese

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Nahe Riesling

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Gros Manseng

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Verdelho

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Alsace Riesling

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Šipon

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
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

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.

Petite Arvine

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

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

Spätlese

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

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

Nahe Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Petite Arvine

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

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

Spätlese

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

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

Nahe Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.

Gros Manseng

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

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

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 drier, and lighter.

Mosel Riesling

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

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

Kabinett

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

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

Colombard

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Mosel Riesling

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

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

Kabinett

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

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

Moscato d’Asti

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more sparkling.

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 rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

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.

Beerenauslese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.

Petite Arvine

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

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

Spätlese

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

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

Nahe Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.

Gros Manseng

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Trebbiano Spoletino

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Rkatsiteli

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.

Albana

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more neutral and subtle.

Similar but fresher

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

Alsace Riesling

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

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

Arinto

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Carricante

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Colombard

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Similar but softer

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

Malvasia

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Antão Vaz

Antão Vaz scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Malagousia

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more floral.

Sekt

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more sparkling.

Austrian Sekt

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more sparkling.

Crémant

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more sparkling.

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Arinto

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Carricante

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Colombard

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Cortese

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.

Auslese

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.

Bual

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and stronger and warmer.

Moscato d’Asti

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more sparkling.

Coteaux du Layon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Coteaux du Layon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Scheurebe

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more floral.

Moschofilero

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

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

Torrontés

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

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

Mantinia Moschofilero

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

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

Cortese

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.

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.

Similar but more floral

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

Scheurebe

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more floral.

Moschofilero

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more floral.

Torrontés

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.

Similar but more savoury

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

Sercial

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

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

Carricante

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Juhfark

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Hunter Valley Semillon

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

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

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

Petit Manseng

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more floral.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Australian Riesling

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

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

Vinho Verde

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

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

Mosel Riesling

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

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

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Petite Arvine

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

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

Spätlese

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

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

Nahe Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.

Gros Manseng

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

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

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.

Petite Arvine

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

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

Spätlese

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

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

Nahe Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.

Gros Manseng

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

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

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Australian Riesling

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

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

Mosel Riesling

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

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

German dry Riesling (trocken)

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.

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.