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 how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too heavy, too perfumed and too alcoholic or warming.
- 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.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
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 in alcohol, and lighter.
Müller-Thurgau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
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.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
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.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Marsanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Ribolla Gialla
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Rkatsiteli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Šipon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Marsanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
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 lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
Méthode Cap Classique
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
California traditional-method sparkling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
Crémant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
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 fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Coteaux du Layon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
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.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
Torrontés 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 lighter in alcohol.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
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 fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
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.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Chablis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
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.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
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.