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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.

← Back to Viognier

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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.

I like…

The tropical fruit How full and weighty it is The creamy, rounded texture The floral character How aromatic it is

But it’s a bit…

too tropical or sweet-smelling too heavy too buttery or thick too floral or soapy too peppery too perfumed

Clear all

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 creamy, rounded mouthfeel and how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too perfumed.

You said you like how much it smells of, before you even taste it 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.

Marsanne

curated

Its Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.

Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Has noticeably less of how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less perfumed.

Condrieu

Both are made from viognier, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
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.

Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.

Gewürztraminer

curated

Both are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.

Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
About as perfumed as the wine you started from.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Has noticeably less of how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less perfumed.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Has noticeably less of how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less perfumed.

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, 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.

Marsanne

curated

Its 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.

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 less floral.

Gewürztraminer

curated

Both are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.

Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

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 less floral.

Marsanne

curated

Its 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 sweeter.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.

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 less floral.

Marsanne

curated

Its Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

White Bordeaux

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 leaner and more cutting.

Auxerrois

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and leaner and more cutting.

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.

Vidal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.

Expect: Much less aromatic, with citrus and oak in place of apricot and blossom.

White Bordeaux

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.

Auxerrois

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and leaner and more cutting.

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 leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.

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.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.

Friuli white

Friuli white scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more neutral and subtle.

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 less floral.

Roussanne

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 leaner and more cutting.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.

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.

Marsanne

curated

Its Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

Pedro Ximénez

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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 fresher and more acidic, and less floral.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Champagne

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.

Franciacorta

Franciacorta scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.

Méthode Cap Classique

Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Marsanne

curated

Its Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

Roussanne

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.

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 leaner and more cutting.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

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 less floral.

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.

Vin Santo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.

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

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.

Gewürztraminer

curated

Both are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.

Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher and more acidic.

Pedro Ximénez sherry

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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.

Marsanne

curated

Its Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

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 sweeter.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher and more acidic.

Roussanne

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, 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 fresher and more acidic, and less floral.

Marsanne

curated

Its 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 floral.

California Chardonnay

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 savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Marsanne

curated

Its Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

California Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher and more acidic.

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 leaner and more cutting.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

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

curated

Both 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 fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

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 fuller and richer.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

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.

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 fresher and more acidic.

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.

Expect: Much less aromatic, with citrus and oak in place of apricot and blossom.

White Burgundy

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more neutral and subtle.

Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more neutral and subtle.

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.

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 less floral.

Marsanne

curated

Its 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 sweeter.

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.

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 less floral.

Marsanne

curated

Its 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 sweeter.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher and more acidic.

Chardonnay

curated

Comparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.

Expect: Much less aromatic, with citrus and oak in place of apricot and blossom.

White Burgundy

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more neutral and subtle.

Australian Chardonnay

Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.

How these are chosen

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.