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 moving away from too heavy, too alcoholic or warming, too sweet and too perfumed.
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.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Garganega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sweet.
- 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.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.
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 more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.
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 drier.
Kabinett
Kabinett 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.
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.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
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.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
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 drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Ribolla Gialla
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Rkatsiteli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 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.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Clairette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Vin Santo
Vin Santo scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
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.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
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.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 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 sweeter.
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 more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Garganega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
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.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 lighter.
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.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Chablis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.
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 more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.
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.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.