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.
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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.
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 floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too heavy and too tropical or sweet-smelling.
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 the floral, perfumed side.
- A little less heavy.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Maria Gomes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less heavy.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less heavy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
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.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Maria Gomes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Maria Gomes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 lighter, and less floral.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Maria Gomes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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
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 floral.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
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 fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Maria Gomes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
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 fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Marsanne
curatedIts 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 less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Glera
Glera scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Asti
Asti scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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 less floral, 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 lighter.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Falanghina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Muscadelle
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 floral.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
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.
Muscadelle
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 floral.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
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 less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
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 fruitier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Muscadelle
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 floral.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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 less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Maria Gomes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
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.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Alsace Riesling
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 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.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
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.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Muscadelle
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 floral.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Northern Rhône Syrah
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 fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
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 fruitier.
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.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Glera
Glera scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Maria Gomes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Maria Gomes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Albariño
Albariño scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
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 lighter.
Sancerre
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
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.