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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 the fruit is not covered in oak, that it is not too alcoholic and 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.

Riesling

curated

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
About as sweet as the wine you started from.

Loureiro

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less sweet.

Kabinett

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
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 that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
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 that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
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 that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
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 that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less sweet.

Phoenix

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
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.

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.

Loureiro

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.

Kabinett

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Solaris

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Loureiro

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.

Kabinett

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Solaris

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

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

Kerner

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

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

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 in alcohol, and lighter.

Loureiro

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

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 lighter in alcohol.

Mosel Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.

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 in alcohol, and lighter.

Hunter Valley Semillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.

Mosel Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.

Loureiro

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

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 stronger and warmer, and more oaky.

Viognier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Malagousia

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.

Loureiro

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.

Kabinett

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Solaris

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

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

Kerner

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Rkatsiteli

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.

Tsolikouri

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.

Kabinett

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Loureiro

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.

Nahe Riesling

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

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

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.

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 drier, and more neutral and subtle.

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Viognier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Prosecco

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

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

Glera

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

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

Champagne

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

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

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Kabinett

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Loureiro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.

Solaris

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

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

Kerner

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

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

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 more aromatic.

Asti

Asti 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.

Beerenauslese

Beerenauslese 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.

Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.

Condrieu

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

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

Viognier

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

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.

Moschofilero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.

Mantinia Moschofilero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc 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.

Colombard

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Trebbiano Romagnolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.

Hunter Valley Semillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Hondarrabi Zuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Similar but more floral

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

Mantinia Moschofilero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Moschofilero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Kabinett

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Loureiro

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.

Similar but more savoury

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

Retsina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Hunter Valley Semillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.

Pouilly-Fumé

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

Nahe Riesling

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

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

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 more floral.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and sweeter.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

Petit Manseng

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more neutral and subtle, and lighter.

Australian Riesling

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

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

Mosel Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.

Something more adventurous

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

Loureiro

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.

Kabinett

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Solaris

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

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

Kerner

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

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

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.

Loureiro

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.

Kabinett

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Solaris

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

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

Kerner

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

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

A step up

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

Australian Riesling

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

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

Mosel Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.

Albariño

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

Rías Baixas Albariño

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.

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.