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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, the tropical, exotic fruit and the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, 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 tropical, exotic fruit.
Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
About as peppery as the wine you started from.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the full body and weight.
Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
Substantially less peppery.

Muscat of Alexandria

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.

Marsanne

curated

Its Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has noticeably less of the tropical, exotic fruit.
Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
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 tropical, exotic fruit.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
More peppery, not less.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, 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 tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
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 tropical, exotic fruit.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
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.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Muscat of Alexandria

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Marsanne

curated

Its Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Muscat of Alexandria

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Marsanne

curated

Its Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Marsanne

curated

Its Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

Coteaux du Layon

Both come from the same country.

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

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Coteaux du Layon

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.

Vidal

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.

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.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

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 lighter, and more neutral and subtle.

Kisi

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher and more acidic.

Friuli white

Friuli white scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Roussanne

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Pošip

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.

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.

Pedro Ximénez

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Marsanne

curated

Its Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

Muscat of Alexandria

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

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 leaner and more cutting.

Franciacorta

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.

Méthode Cap Classique

Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.

California traditional-method sparkling

California traditional-method sparkling scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Marsanne

curated

Its Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

Roussanne

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.

Grenache Blanc

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.

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 fresher and more acidic.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Muscat of Alexandria

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Canadian Icewine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.

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.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Muscat of Alexandria

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

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 more neutral and subtle, and lighter.

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.

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Pedro Ximénez sherry

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Marsanne

curated

Its Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Muscat of Alexandria

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Marsanne

curated

Its Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Marsanne

curated

Its Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

Grenache Blanc

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.

Pfalz Riesling

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

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

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

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Pedro Ximénez

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Gewürztraminer

curated

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

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

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.

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.

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.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.

Australian Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher and more acidic.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more neutral and subtle.

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.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Muscat of Alexandria

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Marsanne

curated

Its Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

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.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less spicy.

Muscat of Alexandria

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Marsanne

curated

Its Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.

Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.

Australian Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.

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.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more neutral and subtle.

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.