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 that it is not too alcoholic and how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too plain or too simple and too alcoholic or warming.
- You said you like that it is not too alcoholic and that it is too alcoholic or warming. Both are about alcohol, 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.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- 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 plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is not too alcoholic.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
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
Alpine white scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Loureiro
Loureiro scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
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 less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
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 more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Malvasia
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 more neutral and subtle.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Valais Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and sweeter.
Sauternes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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 more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
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 less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
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.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
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.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.