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 plain or too simple.
- 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.
Chenin Blanc
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 plain or too simple.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- 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 plain or too simple.
Slavonian Graševina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- 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 plain or too simple.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- A little less heavy.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Verdicchio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- 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 plain or too simple.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- More heavy, not less.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
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 less oaky, and lighter.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Müller-Thurgau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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 less oaky, and lighter.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
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
California Chardonnay scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.
Verdicchio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
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 stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
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 fuller and richer.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Auxerrois
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
California traditional-method sparkling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.
Verdicchio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Pedro Ximénez sherry scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Canadian Icewine
Both are made from vidal, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Slavonian Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Garganega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Roero Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Soave
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Chablis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
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 less oaky, and more aromatic.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 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 less oaky, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Chablis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Slavonian Graševina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.
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.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Slavonian Graševina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.
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.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
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.