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 peppery, spicy character, that the fruit is not covered in oak and the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too sharp or acidic.
- You said you like the bright red-fruited character 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.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, 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.
Trousseau
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 less tannic and softer.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Trousseau
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 less tannic and softer.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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 spicy, and lighter.
Cinsault
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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 lighter.
Trousseau
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 stronger and warmer.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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 fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Trousseau
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.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mavrud
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Petit Verdot
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Trousseau
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 less tannic and softer.
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 more oaky.
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 oaky.
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 fruitier.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
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.
Languedoc red
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.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Trousseau
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 aromatic.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
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.
Primitivo
Primitivo 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.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
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.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Trousseau
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 less tannic and softer.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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.
Trousseau
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 less tannic and softer.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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.
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 oaky, and spicier.
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.
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.