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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

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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, the fresh, crisp acidity and the peppery, spicy character, while moving away from too light or thin.

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.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.

Saperavi

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Substantially less light or thin.

Sangiovese

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.

Washington Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Substantially less light or thin.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Substantially less light or thin.

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less light or thin.

Northern Rhône Syrah

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Substantially less light or thin.

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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Saperavi

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

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sangiovese

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

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

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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Saperavi

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

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sangiovese

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

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

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.

Blaufränkisch

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

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

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Red Burgundy

Both come from the same country.

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

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.

Red Burgundy

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

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

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Saperavi

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

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

Sangiovese

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

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

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Super Tuscan

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

New Zealand Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 broader and softer.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Brunello di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.

Aglianico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.

Taurasi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.

Similar but softer

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Washington Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Vintage Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Saperavi

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

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

Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Washington Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 softer and rounder, and lighter.

Similar but more aromatic

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

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.

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Barbaresco

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

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

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Saperavi

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

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

Sangiovese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

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.

Washington Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 softer and rounder, and lighter.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Sangiovese

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

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

Aglianico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.

Taurasi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.

Red Bordeaux

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.

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 broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Primitivo di Manduria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Zinfandel

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

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

Primitivo

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sangiovese

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

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

Super Tuscan

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Saperavi

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

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

Washington Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Saperavi

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

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

Washington Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sangiovese

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

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

Super Tuscan

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

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

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.