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, while moving away from 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.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Nahe Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Rheingau Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- 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.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.
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 more neutral and subtle.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
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 aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Oloroso sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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 more floral.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvazija Istarska
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.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and stronger and warmer.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Champagne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Prosecco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Sekt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fresher.
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.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
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 more oaky.
Auslese
Auslese scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
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.
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 more herbal and green.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
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 drier.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
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.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Godello
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
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 lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Phoenix
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
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 more herbal and green.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
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.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, 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.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
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 more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Shiraz
Shiraz scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
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.