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 how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
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.
Coteaux du Layon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Riesling
curatedThe other icewine variety in the same region, and the point of comparison Canadian producers themselves use.
- Has noticeably less of the full body and weight.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Hárslevelű
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 how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Rheinhessen 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 how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
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 how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Rheingau 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 how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
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 how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Coteaux du Layon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
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.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Hárslevelű
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.
Coteaux du Layon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Rheinhessen Riesling
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.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
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.
Loureiro
Loureiro scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 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 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 more aromatic.
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.
Coteaux du Layon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Coteaux du Layon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Nahe Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
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 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 stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and leaner and more cutting.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Roussanne
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Asti
Asti scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
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 sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Auslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
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 stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Coteaux du Layon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
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 aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
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 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 lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
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 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 more floral.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.
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.
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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stronger and warmer.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Coteaux du Layon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Rheinhessen Riesling
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.
Coteaux du Layon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Rheinhessen Riesling
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.
Tokaji Aszú
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Sauternes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Chardonnay
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.