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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 it is not too alcoholic and the full body and weight, while moving away from too heavy and too plain or too simple.

You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about alcohol, 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.

Sémillon

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

Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Chenin Blanc

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

Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

White Bordeaux

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

Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Koshu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
Has noticeably less of the full body and weight.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Alpine white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
Has noticeably less of the full body and weight.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Riesling

curated

The other icewine variety in the same region, and the point of comparison Canadian producers themselves use.

Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
Has noticeably less of the full body and weight.
Substantially less heavy.
About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.

Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
Keeps the full body and weight.
More heavy, not less.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
Keeps the full body and weight.
More heavy, not less.
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.

Sémillon

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

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 savoury.

White Bordeaux

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

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

Koshu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Sémillon

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

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 savoury.

White Bordeaux

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

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

Koshu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

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.

Koshu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Alpine white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Spätlese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.

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.

Moscato d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

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 stronger and warmer.

Viognier

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

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.

Sémillon

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

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 savoury.

White Bordeaux

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

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

Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Koshu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

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.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.

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.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.

Rheingau Riesling

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

California Chardonnay 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.

Marsanne

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.

Auxerrois

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

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.

Champagne

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.

White Bordeaux

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

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

Koshu

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 less oaky, and lighter.

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.

Canadian Icewine

Both are made from vidal, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.

Eiswein

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.

Coteaux du Layon

Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.

Moscato d’Asti

Moscato d’Asti scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Sémillon

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

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 savoury.

White Bordeaux

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

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

Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.

Moschofilero

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Mantinia Moschofilero

Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

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 stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.

Koshu

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 less oaky, and lighter.

Pinot Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.

Similar but more floral

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

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.

Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.

Moschofilero

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Mantinia Moschofilero

Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Similar but more savoury

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

Sémillon

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

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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.

White Bordeaux

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

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

Franken Silvaner

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 stronger and warmer.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.

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 stronger and warmer.

Muscat of Alexandria

Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.

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.

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.

Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.

Pinot Gris

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.

White Bordeaux

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

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

Koshu

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 less oaky, and lighter.

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.

White Bordeaux

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

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

Koshu

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 less oaky, and lighter.

A step up

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

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

Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.

South African Chenin Blanc

South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.

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.