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, the peppery, spicy character and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too sharp or acidic.
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.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
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.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
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.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
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.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
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.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
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.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
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.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Cinsault
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 less spicy.
Beaujolais
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Fer Servadou
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 herbal and green.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.
Syrah
curatedA 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.
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 softer and rounder.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and softer and rounder.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.
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 tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Mavrud
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
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.
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 savoury.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and broader and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 tannic and softer.
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.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
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.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
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.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.
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 fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
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
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
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.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less tannic and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less tannic 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.