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 that the fruit is not covered in oak, the firm tannic structure and the fresh, crisp acidity, 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.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
- 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.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
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.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Cinsault
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.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
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 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Australian Grenache
Australian Grenache scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Corvinone
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.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Cornalin
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
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Vintage Port
Vintage Port scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Port
Port scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Saperavi
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 softer and rounder.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 more oaky, and lighter.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
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.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
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.
Cahors
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.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah 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 softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
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.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
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 broader and softer.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
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.