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 tropical, exotic fruit, while moving away from too plain or too simple and too buttery or thick.
- You said you like the tropical, exotic fruit and that it is too buttery or thick. Both are about acidity, 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.
Rheingau Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Valais Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Riesling
curatedThe other icewine variety in the same region, and the point of comparison Canadian producers themselves use.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Rheingau Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Valais Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Rheingau Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Valais Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
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.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
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.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
Rheingau Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Rheingau Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pošip
Pošip scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Roussanne
Roussanne scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sekt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.
Austrian Sekt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Coteaux du Layon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sauternes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and rounder and creamier in texture.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
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 less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Valais Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Rheingau Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
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.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Rheingau Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Valais Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
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.
Rheingau Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Valais Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.