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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 bright red-fruited character and that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too light or thin and too sharp or acidic.

You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too light or thin. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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.

Cornalin

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Bobal

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Nero di Troia

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

Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Trincadeira

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

Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Corvinone

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

Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Morgon

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Valais Cornalin

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.
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.

Cornalin

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

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

Bobal

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Nero di Troia

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

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

Trincadeira

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Cornalin

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

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

Bobal

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Nero di Troia

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

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

Trincadeira

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader 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.

Grolleau

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Cinsault

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Tibouren

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

País

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

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.

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.

Pinot Meunier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Trousseau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Fer Servadou

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Petit Verdot

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 broader and softer.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

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

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 lighter, and more oaky.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Bonarda

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Petit Verdot

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 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 oaky, 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 oaky, and broader and softer.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but softer

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter.

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vintage Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Corvinone

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

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Morgon

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

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

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Bobal

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

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

Cornalin

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

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

Nero di Troia

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

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

Trincadeira

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Cahors

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

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

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Jaen

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

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 lighter, and more oaky.

Carignan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

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

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

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

Cornalin

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

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

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.

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.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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.

Southern Rhône blend

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

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

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 lighter.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Cornalin

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

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

Bobal

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Nero di Troia

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

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

Trincadeira

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Cornalin

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

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

Bobal

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Nero di Troia

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

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

Trincadeira

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

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

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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.

Southern Rhône blend

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

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

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 lighter.

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 lighter.

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.