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 floral, perfumed side, the tropical, exotic fruit and the full body and weight, while moving away from too peppery and too perfumed.
- You said you like the tropical, exotic fruit 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.
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 floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- More peppery, not less.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- 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 peppery.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Has noticeably less of the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Roussanne
Both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Has noticeably less of the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Muscadelle
Both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of the full body and weight.
- Substantially less peppery.
- 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.
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 spicier.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Muscadelle
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Maria Gomes
Maria Gomes scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
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
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Maria Gomes
Maria Gomes scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Ortega
Ortega scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Hárslevelű
Hárslevelű scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 lighter.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Muscadelle
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Maria Gomes
Maria Gomes scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
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, and spicier.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Marsanne
curatedIts 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 fresher and more acidic.
Prosecco
Prosecco 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 lighter in alcohol.
Glera
Glera scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
Fiano scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Fiano di Avellino
Fiano di Avellino scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Vin de Constance
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more aromatic.
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.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
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 lighter.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
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 spicier.
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 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 lighter, and less spicy.
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.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Roussanne
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Fiano
Fiano scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Fiano
Fiano scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Fiano di Avellino
Fiano di Avellino scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Alsace Riesling
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
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 spicier.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower 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.
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.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Australian Riesling
Australian Riesling scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
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, and spicier.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
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, and spicier.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
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.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Australian Riesling
Australian Riesling scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
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.