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 fresh, crisp acidity and that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too sharp or acidic and too alcoholic or warming.
- You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about acidity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about perceived freshness, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- 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.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
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.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Cinsault
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Pinot Meunier
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Ruby Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Ciliegiolo
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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 more oaky, 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.
Grenache
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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Grenache
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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
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.