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 the creamy, rounded mouthfeel and the full body and weight, while moving away from too heavy.
- You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about alcohol, 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
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
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 the full body and weight, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
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 the full body and weight.
- About as heavy as the wine you started from.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.
- Has noticeably less of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less heavy.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- A little less heavy.
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
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
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 fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
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 fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
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 fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
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
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.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
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 stronger and warmer, 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.
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.
Auxerrois
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
Sémillon
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.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
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 stronger and warmer.
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.
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.
Malvasia
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.
Marsanne
curatedIts 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 fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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 leaner and more cutting, and stronger and warmer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
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 lighter.
California traditional-method sparkling
California traditional-method sparkling scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Champagne
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
Grenache Blanc
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 stronger and warmer.
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.
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 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.
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 stronger and warmer.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and stronger and warmer.
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.
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 leaner and more cutting, and stronger and warmer.
Grenache Blanc
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 stronger and warmer.
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.
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 fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
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 fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
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.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
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 fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
Grenache Blanc
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 stronger and warmer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Marsanne
curatedIts 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 fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
Grenache Blanc
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 stronger and warmer.
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 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.
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 fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and stronger and warmer.
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 stronger and warmer.
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 both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.
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 fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
White Burgundy
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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
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 fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
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 fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
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 fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
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 fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
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.
White Burgundy
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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.
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.