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 sweet, too alcoholic or warming, too buttery or thick, too heavy and too perfumed.
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.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sweet.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Šipon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Chablis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Colombard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Melon de Bourgogne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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 drier, and lighter.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc 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.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Trebbiano Spoletino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and lighter.
Chablis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Auxerrois
Auxerrois scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
Antão Vaz
Antão Vaz scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
Pošip
Pošip scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Crémant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.
English sparkling wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.
Austrian Sekt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.
English Blanc de Blancs
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.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Chablis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
English sparkling wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.
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 stronger and warmer.
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato d’Asti scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Asti
Asti scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and stronger and warmer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
South African Chenin Blanc
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
Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and lighter.
Chablis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Arinto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chablis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Carricante
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Juhfark
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Etna Bianco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
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 more aromatic, and sweeter.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
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 softer and rounder.
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.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Chablis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
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.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and lighter.
Šipon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
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.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and lighter.
Šipon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
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.
Chablis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 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.