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 that the fruit is not covered in oak and how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too sweet.
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.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sweet.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sweet.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sweet.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sweet.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sweet.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sweet.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sweet.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less sweet.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
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.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Gros Manseng
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more neutral and subtle.
Oloroso sherry
Oloroso sherry scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
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.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Nahe Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and sweeter.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Prosecco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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 more neutral and subtle.
Vin Santo
Vin Santo scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Auslese
Auslese scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more neutral and subtle.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and sweeter.
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 drier.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Kisi
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 fresher, and more floral.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
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 sweeter, and fresher.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and sweeter.
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.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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.