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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 tropical, exotic fruit and the full body and weight, while moving away from too floral or soapy, too peppery and too buttery or thick.

You said you like the tropical, exotic fruit and that it is too buttery or thick. Both are about acidity, 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.

Muscat of Alexandria

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

Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less buttery or thick.

Malagousia

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

Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Roussanne

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

Has noticeably less of the tropical, exotic fruit.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Gewürztraminer

curated

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

Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
More peppery, not less.
A little less buttery or thick.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

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 tropical, exotic fruit.
Keeps the full body and weight.
About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.

Petit Manseng

Both come from the same country.

Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Fiano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the tropical, exotic fruit.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Muscat of Alexandria

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Malagousia

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

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 more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

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.

Muscat of Alexandria

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Malagousia

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

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 more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.

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.

Muscat of Alexandria

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Coteaux du Layon

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

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.

Scheurebe

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Coteaux du Layon

Both come from the same country.

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

Scheurebe

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Vidal

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.

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.

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 less floral, and lighter.

Kisi

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 more restrained in fruit.

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Malagousia

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

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 more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.

Fiano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Muscat of Alexandria

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Marsanne

curated

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

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

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 leaner and more cutting.

Franciacorta

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Méthode Cap Classique

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Prosecco

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

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 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 more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Fiano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fiano di Avellino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Moscatel de Setúbal

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less spicy.

Muscat of Alexandria

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Vin de Constance

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.

Coteaux du Layon

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.

Muscat of Alexandria

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Malagousia

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.

Petit Manseng

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Chardonnay

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

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

Moscatel de Setúbal

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less spicy.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Roussanne

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 more restrained in fruit.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Muscat of Alexandria

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

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 more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Fiano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fiano di Avellino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Fiano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fiano di Avellino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pfalz Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.

Austrian Riesling

Austrian Riesling scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Muscat of Alexandria

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Petit Manseng

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

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

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 rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

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 softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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 rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

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

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.

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

South African Chenin Blanc

South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Muscat of Alexandria

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Malagousia

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

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 more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.

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.

Muscat of Alexandria

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Malagousia

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

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 more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.

A step up

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

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.

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

South African Chenin Blanc

South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Albariño

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

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

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.