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 the tropical, exotic fruit, while moving away from too heavy and too perfumed.
- You said you like the tropical, exotic fruit 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
curatedThe other icewine variety in the same region, and the point of comparison Canadian producers themselves use.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less heavy.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Colombard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less heavy.
- 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
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.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
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 lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Colombard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
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 lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and lighter.
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.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
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 more restrained in fruit.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Colombard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
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.
Auxerrois
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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 stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.
Méthode Cap Classique
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.
California traditional-method sparkling
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 fresher and more acidic.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Colombard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Moscato d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
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.
Eiswein
Eiswein scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
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 lighter.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Scheurebe
Scheurebe scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Torrontés
Torrontés 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.
Hunter Valley Semillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
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 fruitier, and more aromatic.
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 fruitier.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 fruitier.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
California 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.