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 creamy, rounded mouthfeel and how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too heavy.
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.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less heavy.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less heavy.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less heavy.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less heavy.
Riesling
curatedThe other icewine variety in the same region, and the point of comparison Canadian producers themselves use.
- Has noticeably less of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less heavy.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less heavy.
Kerner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less heavy.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less heavy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
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 neutral and subtle.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
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.
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 neutral and subtle.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Moscato d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
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.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris 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.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Grechetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Ribolla Gialla
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Nahe Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Rheingau Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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 stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Coteaux du Layon
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 lighter, and more aromatic.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Auslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Grechetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Xarel·lo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Verdicchio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, 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 stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
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.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
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.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
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
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
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.