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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 moving away from too tart or sour-fruited and too plain or too simple.

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.

Red Bordeaux

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

Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Sangiovese

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

Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Aglianico

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

Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Taurasi

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

Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Nebbiolo

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

Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of 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 more savoury, and more herbal and green.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.

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 more savoury, and more herbal and green.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.

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.

País

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

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

Grolleau

Both come from the same country.

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

English still Pinot Noir

English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Schiava

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

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

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.

English still Pinot Noir

English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.

Red Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Red Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

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 softer and rounder.

Northern Rhône Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Rioja Crianza

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

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

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Similar but less tannic

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

Rioja Crianza

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

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

Nero d’Avola

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

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

Merlot

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 fruitier.

Barbera d’Alba

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.

Barbaresco

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

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

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more aromatic.

Similar but softer

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Fetească Neagră

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

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

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

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

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

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.

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 broader and softer.

Lambrusco

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.

Franciacorta

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.

Similar but sweeter

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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.

Agiorgitiko

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

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

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.

Alentejo red

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

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

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and earthier.

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.

Sémillon

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.

Red Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.

Similar but more floral

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.

Similar but more savoury

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

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

Similar but fruitier

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

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 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.

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.

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 more savoury, and more herbal and green.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more aromatic.

Something more adventurous

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

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.

Taurasi

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

A step up

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more aromatic.

Brunello di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and earthier.

Cabernet Sauvignon

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 fruitier.

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.