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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

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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.

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 keeping the full body and weight and the floral, perfumed side, while moving away from 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.

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 full body and weight.
Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.

Gewürztraminer

curated

Both are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
More peppery, not less.

Torrontés

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

Has noticeably less of the full body and weight.
Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
Substantially less peppery.

Roussanne

Both come from the same country.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Substantially less peppery.

Fiano

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Substantially less peppery.

Fiano di Avellino

Fiano di Avellino scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
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.

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.

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gewürztraminer

curated

Both 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Torrontés

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

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

Roussanne

Both come from the same country.

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

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 of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Torrontés

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

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

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.

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.

Torrontés

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

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

Muscadelle

Both come from the same country.

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 lighter in alcohol.

Scheurebe

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

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

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 less spicy.

Kisi

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

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

Malvasia

Malvasia 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 lighter.

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 less spicy.

Torrontés

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

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

Roussanne

Both come from the same country.

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

Fiano

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Marsanne

curated

Its 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 less spicy.

Asti

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

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

Prosecco

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

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

Glera

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

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

Torrontés

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

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

Roussanne

Both come from the same country.

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

Fiano

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

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

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 less spicy, and sweeter.

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vin de Constance

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Gewürztraminer

curated

Both 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.

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Torrontés

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

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

Gewürztraminer

curated

Both are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.

Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.

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 less spicy, and less floral.

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 less oaky.

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.

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.

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.

Fiano

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

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

Fiano di Avellino

Fiano di Avellino scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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 lighter.

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 less floral.

Fiano di Avellino

Fiano di Avellino scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Alsace Riesling

Both come from the same country.

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

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.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

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 savoury.

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gewürztraminer

curated

Both 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.

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

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 fresher and more acidic.

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.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Australian Riesling

Australian Riesling scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Albariño

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

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

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 spicier.

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Torrontés

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

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

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 spicier.

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Torrontés

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

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

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.

Australian Riesling

Australian Riesling scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Australian Chardonnay

Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

South African Chenin Blanc

South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.