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, that the fruit is not covered in oak and the rich, ripe dark fruit, while moving away from too sharp or acidic.
- 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.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
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.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
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.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Dornfelder
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.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Jaen
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.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Frühburgunder
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.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Piedirosso
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.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- 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.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less spicy.
Cinsault
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.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less spicy.
Cinsault
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.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Cinsault
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.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
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 fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.
Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
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 more floral.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Cinsault
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.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petit Verdot
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.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
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 more floral.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less spicy.
Cinsault
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.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and sweeter.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more floral.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Montsant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
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 fresher.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Morgon
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.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Seyval Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.
Pinot Blanc
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 restrained in fruit.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cinsault
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.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.
Gamay
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 fresher.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Trousseau
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 tannic and softer.
Tibouren
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 more restrained in fruit.
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 fruitier.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
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.
Gamay
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 fresher.
Beaujolais
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 fresher.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less spicy.
Cinsault
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.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic 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.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less spicy.
Cinsault
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.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Southern Rhône blend
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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
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.
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 more savoury.
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.