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.
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
curatedThe other icewine variety in the same region, and the point of comparison Canadian producers themselves use.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
Loureiro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
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
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 more floral, and fresher.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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 more floral, and fresher.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
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 lighter.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Eiswein
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Canadian Icewine
Both are made from vidal, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Beerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Tokaji Aszú
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.
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 more floral, and fresher.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Albana
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 fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Hondarrabi Zuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Jacquère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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 stronger and warmer, and drier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato d’Asti scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and stiller.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and lighter.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Hondarrabi Zuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Jacquère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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 spicier, and more aromatic.
Austrian botrytis sweet wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Beerenauslese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Canadian Icewine
Both are made from vidal, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more neutral and subtle.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fresher.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and lighter.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Colombard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, 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.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Melon de Bourgogne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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 more floral, and fresher.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more floral.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more herbal and green.
Canadian Icewine
Both are made from vidal, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
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.
Vinho Verde
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Vidal across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Tokaji Aszú
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
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.