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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 the peppery, spicy character, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too sharp or acidic.

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.

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Washington Syrah

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Egri Bikavér

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 the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Australian Pinot Noir

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 the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Zweigelt

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 the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Prokupac

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 the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
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.

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Washington Syrah

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

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

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Egri Bikavér

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 Syrah

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

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

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Egri Bikavér

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.

Cinsault

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

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

Tibouren

Both come from the same country.

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

Grolleau

Both come from the same country.

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

Beaujolais

Both come from the same country.

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

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.

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Washington Syrah

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

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

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Trousseau

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Washington Syrah

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

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

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Rhône blend

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Southern Rhône blend

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.

Australian Grenache

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Mavrud

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

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

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Petit Verdot

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Similar but softer

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

Washington Syrah

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

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

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Northern Rhône Syrah

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 spicier.

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 in alcohol, and fruitier.

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tawny Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Tawny Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Vintage Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ruby Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Washington Syrah

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

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

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

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 spicier.

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.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more restrained

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

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Egri Bikavér

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

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

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Australian Pinot Noir

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Washington Syrah

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

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

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

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 spicier.

Similar but more savoury

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

Washington Syrah

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

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

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Primitivo di Manduria

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Primitivo

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

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.

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Northern Rhône Syrah

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 spicier.

Southern Rhône blend

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.

Something more adventurous

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

Washington Syrah

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

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

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Egri Bikavér

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

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

Australian Pinot Noir

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

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

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 Syrah

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

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

Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends

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

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

Egri Bikavér

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

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

Australian Pinot Noir

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

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

A step up

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

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Northern Rhône Syrah

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 spicier.

Southern Rhône blend

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.

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 broader and softer.

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.