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 and the tropical, exotic fruit, while moving away from too peppery and too floral or soapy.
- You said you like the floral, perfumed side and that it is too floral or soapy. Both are about floral character, 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.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
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.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as floral or soapy 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.
- More peppery, not less.
- About as floral or soapy 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.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Scheurebe
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.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
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.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Maria Gomes
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.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
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 less spicy, and lighter.
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 spicier, and more floral.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth 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 less spicy, and lighter.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
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 Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
Muscadelle
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 more neutral and subtle.
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.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
Muscadelle
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 more neutral and subtle.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
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 fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Kisi
Kisi 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 less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
Muscadelle
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 more restrained in fruit.
Maria Gomes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
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 spicier, and more floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Moscato d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Falanghina
Falanghina scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
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 less spicy, and sweeter.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
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 less spicy, and lighter.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Muscadelle
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 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 more neutral and subtle.
Moscatel de Setúbal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 spicier, and more floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
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 less spicy.
Muscadelle
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.
Maria Gomes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Solaris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Alsace Riesling
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Australian Riesling
Australian Riesling scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Fiano
Fiano scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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 spicier, and more floral.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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.
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.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
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 less spicy, and lighter.
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 spicier, and more floral.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
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 less spicy, and lighter.
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 spicier, and more floral.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
Australian Riesling
Australian Riesling scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less spicy.
Albariño
Albariño scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
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 more restrained in fruit.
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.