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 alcoholic or warming and too buttery or thick.
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.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Valais Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less buttery or thick.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
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.
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.
Colombard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
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.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
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 leaner and more cutting.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
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.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Trebbiano Spoletino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter in alcohol.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Antão Vaz
Antão Vaz scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malagousia
Malagousia scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pošip
Pošip scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sekt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
Austrian Sekt
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.
English sparkling wine
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.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Valais Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and stronger and warmer.
Coteaux du Layon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
New Zealand Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
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 lighter.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Cortese
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 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 fresher, and more floral.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more floral.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
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.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
Valais Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Albariño
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.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
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.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.