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 how much it smells of, before you even taste it and the full body and weight, while moving away from too sweet and too heavy.
- 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.
Riesling
curatedThe other icewine variety in the same region, and the point of comparison Canadian producers themselves use.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has noticeably less of the full body and weight.
- About as sweet as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less heavy.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less sweet.
- A little less heavy.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less sweet.
- A little less heavy.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less sweet.
- A little less heavy.
Nahe Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less sweet.
- A little less heavy.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less sweet.
- A little less heavy.
Rheingau Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less sweet.
- A little less heavy.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less sweet.
- 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.
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.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
Nahe Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.
Kabinett
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
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.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Nahe Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Rheingau Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 drier, and stronger and warmer.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 drier.
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 stronger and warmer, and more floral.
Champagne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.
Sekt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.
Prosecco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and lighter.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
Nahe Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato d’Asti scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.
Asti
Asti scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Auslese
Auslese scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Eiswein
Eiswein 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.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Mantinia Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Colombard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Malvazija Istarska
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.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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 sweeter, and stronger and warmer.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
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.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
Nahe Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
Nahe Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
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.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
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.