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 the full body and weight, while moving away from too sweet and too plain or too simple.
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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Alpine white
Alpine white scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 softer and rounder.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Oloroso sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
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 more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Méthode Cap Classique
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
California traditional-method sparkling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vin Santo
Vin Santo scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Canadian Icewine
Both are made from vidal, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Sauternes
Sauternes scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less oaky.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
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.