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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 peppery, spicy character and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too tart or sour-fruited.

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 peppery, spicy character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.

Red Bordeaux

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

Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Washington Syrah

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

Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
A little less tart or sour-fruited.

Nero di Troia

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

Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.

Sangiovese

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

Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.

Languedoc red

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

Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.

Fetească Neagră

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

Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.

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 less spicy, and more oaky.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Washington Syrah

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

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 less spicy, and more oaky.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Washington Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Grolleau

Both come from the same country.

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

Schiava

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

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

Tibouren

Both come from the same country.

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

Portugieser

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

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

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.

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 less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.

Washington Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Languedoc red

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.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Washington Syrah

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Rioja Crianza

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.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Aglianico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Taurasi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Mavrud

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Similar but softer

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

Languedoc red

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.

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 less spicy.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

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 less spicy, and fresher.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Similar but sweeter

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

Saperavi

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

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

Pinotage

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

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vintage Port

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

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Bekaa Valley Red

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

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

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 Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Mavrud

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.

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less spicy, and more aromatic.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Nero di Troia

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

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

Sangiovese

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Washington Syrah

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

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 less spicy.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Sangiovese

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

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

Rioja

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

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

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 less spicy, and more oaky.

Sangiovese

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

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

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 spicier.

Something more adventurous

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

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Washington Syrah

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

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

Nero di Troia

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

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

Languedoc red

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.

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.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Washington Syrah

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

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

Nero di Troia

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

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

Languedoc red

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.

A step up

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

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 spicier.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Sangiovese

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

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

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

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.