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.

← Back to Viognier

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.

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 moving away from too heavy 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.

Chardonnay

curated

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

Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.

Marsanne

curated

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

A little less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.

Coteaux du Layon

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

Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.

Vidal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.

Furmint

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

Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.

Dry Furmint

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

Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.

Pinot Gris

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

Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.

Auxerrois

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

Substantially less heavy.
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.

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.

Marsanne

curated

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

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

Coteaux du Layon

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

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

Vidal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

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.

Coteaux du Layon

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

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

Marsanne

curated

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

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

Vidal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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.

Coteaux du Layon

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

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

Vidal

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

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

Furmint

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

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

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

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.

Vidal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Coteaux du Layon

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

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

Auxerrois

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rkatsiteli

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Kisi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Istrian Malvazija

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Vidal

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

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

Hárslevelű

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Marsanne

curated

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

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

Muscat of Alexandria

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Grenache Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Palomino Fino

Palomino Fino scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

The sparkling version

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

Champagne

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

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

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Franciacorta

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Méthode Cap Classique

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

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.

Marsanne

curated

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

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

Dry Furmint

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

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

Auxerrois

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Coteaux du Layon

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

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

Vidal

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

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

Szamorodni

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

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

Furmint

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

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

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.

Vidal

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

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

Auxerrois

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

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

Hárslevelű

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscat of Alexandria

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

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 spicier, and stronger and warmer.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

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.

Furmint

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

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.

Marsanne

curated

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

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

Furmint

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

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

Dry Furmint

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

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

Similar but less floral

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

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.

Coteaux du Layon

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

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

Marsanne

curated

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

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

Vidal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

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.

Franken Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Savennières

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Petit Manseng

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätlese

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

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and spicier.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

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 fuller and richer, and spicier.

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.

Pinot Gris

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

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

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Coteaux du Layon

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

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

Marsanne

curated

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

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

Vidal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Furmint

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

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

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.

Coteaux du Layon

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

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

Marsanne

curated

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

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

Vidal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Furmint

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

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

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.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

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.