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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.

I like…

The bright red fruit The rich dark fruit How fresh and crisp it is The firm, grippy structure That it is not oaky The spice

But it’s a bit…

too tart or sour-fruited too sharp or acidic too alcoholic or warming too light or thin too plain or too simple too peppery

Clear all

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 the fresh, crisp acidity, 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.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Cornalin

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Bobal

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Red Bordeaux

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 the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Valais Cornalin

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

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 the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Tinto Cão

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

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 the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
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.

Cornalin

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.

Bobal

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.

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.

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.

Cornalin

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.

Bobal

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.

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.

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 less tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Schiava

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.

Poulsard

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.

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.

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 fresher and more acidic.

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.

Colorino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.

Cru Beaujolais

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 fresher.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.

Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more floral.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and sweeter.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.

Rioja Crianza

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.

Nero d’Avola

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

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.

Tannat

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.

Madiran

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.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.

Fetească Neagră

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.

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 less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.

Fer Servadou

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more herbal and green.

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 sweeter, and less spicy.

Touriga Franca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.

Port

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

Bekaa Valley Red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and earthier.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Syrah

curated

A 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 less tannic and softer, and more herbal and green.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Pinot Noir

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 more oaky.

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.

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.

Cornalin

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.

Bobal

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.

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 aromatic, and more oaky.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Cabernet Franc

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 more herbal and green.

Cahors

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 earthier.

Northern Rhône Syrah

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 oaky.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

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 savoury, and less spicy.

Carignan

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.

Dão

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.

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.

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 tannic and structured, 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.

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less tannic and softer.

Primitivo

Primitivo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

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

curated

A 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.

Northern Rhône Syrah

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 oaky.

Cabernet Sauvignon

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 oaky.

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.

Cornalin

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.

Bobal

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.

Valais Cornalin

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.

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.

Cornalin

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.

Bobal

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.

Valais Cornalin

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.

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 broader and softer, and more oaky.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.

Northern Rhône Syrah

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 earthier.

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.

How these are chosen

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.