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 rich, ripe dark fruit and the peppery, spicy character, while moving away from too sharp or acidic 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.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- 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.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
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.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Syrah
curatedA 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 more savoury, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Petit Verdot
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 more savoury.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Petit Verdot
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 more savoury.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Syrah
curatedA 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.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Alentejo red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.
Pinot Noir
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 less spicy.
Cabernet Sauvignon
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 savoury.
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.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.
Pinot Noir
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 less spicy.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Syrah
curatedA 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 more savoury, and earthier.
Fetească Neagră
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Mavrud
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Cabernet Sauvignon
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 savoury.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
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.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Cabernet Sauvignon
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 savoury.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
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.