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.

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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.

I like…

The tropical fruit That it is not too strong How full and weighty it is The creamy, rounded texture That it is not oaky How aromatic it is

But it’s a bit…

too alcoholic or warming too heavy too buttery or thick too plain or too simple too perfumed too sweet

Clear all

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 it is not too alcoholic, while moving away from too sweet, too alcoholic or warming and too heavy.

You said you like that it is not too alcoholic and that it is too alcoholic or warming. 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

curated

The other icewine variety in the same region, and the point of comparison Canadian producers themselves use.

Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
About as sweet as the wine you started from.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Substantially less heavy.

Trebbiano Romagnolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
Substantially less sweet.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Substantially less heavy.

Müller-Thurgau

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
Substantially less sweet.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Substantially less heavy.

Vinho Verde

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
Substantially less sweet.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Substantially less heavy.

Grechetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
Substantially less sweet.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less heavy.

Rheinhessen Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
Substantially less sweet.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less heavy.

Solaris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
Substantially less sweet.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less heavy.

Kerner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
Substantially less sweet.
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.

Riesling

curated

The 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.

Trebbiano Romagnolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Müller-Thurgau

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Vinho Verde

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Trebbiano Romagnolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Müller-Thurgau

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Vinho Verde

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Grechetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.

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.

Müller-Thurgau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Trebbiano Romagnolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Vinho Verde

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Hunter Valley Semillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Kabinett

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Mosel Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Trebbiano Romagnolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

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.

Grechetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.

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.

Grechetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.

Auxerrois

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.

Xarel·lo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.

Altesse

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.

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 stronger and warmer, and drier.

Rkatsiteli

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Koshu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Vinho Verde

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

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.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Auxerrois

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.

California Chardonnay

California Chardonnay scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

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.

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.

Franciacorta

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.

Méthode Cap Classique

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.

Champagne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more sparkling.

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Müller-Thurgau

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Trebbiano Romagnolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Vinho Verde

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Asti

Asti scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Moscato d’Asti

Moscato d’Asti scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Auslese

Auslese scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.

Riesling

curated

The 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.

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 stronger and warmer, and drier.

California Chardonnay

California Chardonnay scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.

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 drier, and lighter.

Mantinia Moschofilero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.

Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.

Trebbiano Romagnolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Grechetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.

Graševina

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Moschofilero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Mantinia Moschofilero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Silvaner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.

Franken Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 drier.

Grechetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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 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 stronger and warmer, and lighter.

Muscat of Alexandria

Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

curated

The 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.

Vinho Verde

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.

English Bacchus

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and lighter.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Trebbiano Romagnolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Müller-Thurgau

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Grechetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.

Rheinhessen Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.

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.

Trebbiano Romagnolo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Müller-Thurgau

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.

Grechetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.

Rheinhessen Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.

Australian Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.

California Chardonnay

California Chardonnay 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 drier.

How these are chosen

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.