If you like this, try…
Wines like Viognier
A full-bodied, apricot-and-honeysuckle-scented Rhône variety that nearly disappeared in the 1960s. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Viognier?
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.
- 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.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- 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 spice
- Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
Looking for something keeping the full body and weight, while moving away from too perfumed and too peppery.
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.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less peppery.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less peppery.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less peppery.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less peppery.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less peppery.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less peppery.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less peppery.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less peppery.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.
Expect: Much less aromatic, with citrus and oak in place of apricot and blossom.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
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.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.
Expect: Much less aromatic, with citrus and oak in place of apricot and blossom.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
Coteaux du Layon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.
Expect: Much less aromatic, with citrus and oak in place of apricot and blossom.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Coteaux du Layon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.
Expect: Much less aromatic, with citrus and oak in place of apricot and blossom.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
Condrieu
Both are made from viognier, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Champagne
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.
Expect: Much less aromatic, with citrus and oak in place of apricot and blossom.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
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 lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.
Expect: Much less aromatic, with citrus and oak in place of apricot and blossom.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
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, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
Soave Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Condrieu
Both are made from viognier, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
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.
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.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.
Expect: Much less aromatic, with citrus and oak in place of apricot and blossom.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.
Expect: Much less aromatic, with citrus and oak in place of apricot and blossom.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.