If you like this, try…
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.
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 and that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too sharp or acidic and 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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- 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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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 tannic and softer.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Grolleau
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 lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and softer and rounder.
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 more oaky.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petit Verdot
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Tannat
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Mavrud
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Madiran
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
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 more oaky, and fruitier.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter.
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 sweeter.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less tannic and softer.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less tannic and softer.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Montsant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Negroamaro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Cornalin
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.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
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 more oaky, 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 more oaky, and more savoury.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
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
curatedA 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 oaky, and more savoury.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
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 oaky, and more herbal and green.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
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.