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, while moving away from too light or thin, too alcoholic or warming and too peppery.
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.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Beaujolais
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.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella 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.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Grenache
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 savoury.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Grenache
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 savoury.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 lighter, and fruitier.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Vin Doux Naturel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Cabernet Sauvignon
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.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
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.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
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.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Grenache
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 savoury.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.