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.
Refine
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 firm tannic structure, while moving away from too light or thin 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.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less peppery.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less peppery.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less peppery.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less peppery.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less peppery.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less peppery.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less peppery.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- 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.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
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.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
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.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
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 softer and rounder.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and softer and rounder.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Bolgheri
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.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and softer and rounder.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.
Merlot
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.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
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 more oaky.
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 less spicy.
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 less spicy.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and sweeter.
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 more oaky.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
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 less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and sweeter.
Vin Doux Naturel
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 stronger and warmer.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
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 softer and rounder.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and broader and softer.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more floral.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Cabernet Sauvignon
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.
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.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
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 tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Red Bordeaux
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.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
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 less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and stronger and warmer.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
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.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
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 stronger and warmer, 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 lighter, and more oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and stronger and warmer.
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.