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 how much it smells of, before you even taste it and the tropical, exotic fruit, while moving away from too perfumed.
- You said you like the tropical, exotic fruit and that it is too perfumed. Both are about aromatic intensity, 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.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
Condrieu
Both are made from viognier, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Maria Gomes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Solaris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Maria Gomes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Solaris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more neutral and subtle.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Sekt
Sekt scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
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 more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher and more acidic.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Solaris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Rheinhessen Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
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 more savoury.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
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 Riesling
Australian Riesling scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
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.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Australian Riesling
Australian Riesling scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Albariño
Albariño scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Rías Baixas Albariño
Rías Baixas Albariño scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
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.