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 full body and weight, that it is not too alcoholic and that the fruit is not covered in oak, 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.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sweet.
Nahe Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sweet.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sweet.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sweet.
Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sweet.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sweet.
Avesso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sweet.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- 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.
Grechetto
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 lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Kerner
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.
Grechetto
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 lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 more floral.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
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 lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Auxerrois
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Xarel·lo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Altesse
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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 lighter.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Kisi
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 drier, and lighter.
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 lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Ribolla Gialla
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Auxerrois
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Grechetto
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 lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Auslese
Auslese scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Eiswein
Eiswein scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Asti
Asti scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.
Beerenauslese
Beerenauslese 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.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Mantinia Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Avesso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Mantinia Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Carricante
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Juhfark
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 lighter, and sweeter.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Grechetto
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 lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Grechetto
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 lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 drier, and lighter.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.