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Wines like Mondeuse Noire

Savoie’s peppery Alpine red, established by DNA analysis as a close relative of Syrah. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Mondeuse Noire?

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 bright red fruit The rich dark fruit How fresh and crisp it is The firm, grippy structure That it is not oaky The spice

But it’s a bit…

too tart or sour-fruited too sharp or acidic too alcoholic or warming too light or thin too plain or too simple too peppery

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What these words mean

The bright red fruit: Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
The rich dark fruit: Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
How fresh and crisp it is: Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
The firm, grippy structure: High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
That it is not too strong: Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
How light it is: A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
That it is not oaky: No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
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 firm tannic structure, while moving away from too tart or sour-fruited and too alcoholic or warming.

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.

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Red Bordeaux

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Carignan

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Cahors

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Sangiovese

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Mourvèdre

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Carignan

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Carignan

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Sangiovese

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

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

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.

Tibouren

Both come from the same country.

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

Portugieser

Portugieser scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

País

País scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Grolleau

Both come from the same country.

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

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.

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.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Carignan

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

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

Mourvèdre

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

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

Cahors

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Jumilla Monastrell

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Mourvèdre

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

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

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Rioja

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

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

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.

Southern Rhône blend

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Aglianico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Taurasi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Jumilla Monastrell

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Mourvèdre

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

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

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Tempranillo

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

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

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Tinto Cão

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

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.

Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Jumilla Monastrell

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Mourvèdre

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

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

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Rioja

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Similar but more restrained

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Carignan

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

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

Sangiovese

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

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

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

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Similar but more savoury

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

Cahors

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

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

Carignan

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

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

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

Mourvèdre

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Primitivo di Manduria

Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Primitivo

Primitivo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

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.

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Sangiovese

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

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

Rioja

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

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

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Carignan

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

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

Mourvèdre

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

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

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.

Carignan

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

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

Mourvèdre

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

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

A step up

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Sangiovese

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

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

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Rioja

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

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

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.