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.
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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.
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 floral, perfumed side.
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 creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has noticeably less of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
Roussanne
Both come from the same country.
- Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
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.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, 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.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.
Hárslevelű
Hárslevelű scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.
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 leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Moscatel de Setúbal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and leaner and more cutting.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.
Roussanne
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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: Chosen because you asked for something softer.
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 less floral.
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.
Asti
Asti scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato d’Asti scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.
Prosecco
Prosecco scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less floral.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less floral.
Roussanne
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and leaner and more cutting.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher and more acidic.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less floral.
Vin de Constance
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.
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 less floral.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less floral.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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
California Chardonnay scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less floral.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
Clairette
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less floral.
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 leaner and more cutting.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and leaner and more cutting.
Roussanne
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and leaner and more cutting.
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.
Fiano
Fiano scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Fiano di Avellino
Fiano di Avellino scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 savoury.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less floral.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, 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.
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.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Gewürztraminer
curatedBoth are full, low-acid, intensely aromatic whites.
Expect: More overtly floral and spicy, and often with residual sugar.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
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.