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, the creamy, rounded mouthfeel and the tropical, exotic fruit.
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 the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
Soave Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
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.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Loureiro
Loureiro scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
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.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
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 softer and rounder.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Canadian Icewine
Both are made from vidal, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 stronger and warmer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
Coteaux du Layon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more neutral and subtle.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Méthode Cap Classique
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
California traditional-method sparkling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Canadian Icewine
Both are made from vidal, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Coteaux du Layon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Vin de Constance
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Soave Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Chilean Chardonnay
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 more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more aromatic.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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 stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Tokaji Aszú
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
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.