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.

← Back to Mondeuse Noire

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.

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 that the fruit is not covered in oak and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming, too peppery and too sharp or acidic.

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.

Cornalin

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Tinto Cão

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

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.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Prokupac

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

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Valais Cornalin

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.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Castelão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Carignan

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

Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less peppery.
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.

Cornalin

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

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

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Bobal

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Cornalin

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

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

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Bobal

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

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

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.

Poulsard

Both come from the same country.

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

Schiava

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

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

Grolleau

Both come from the same country.

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

Cinsault

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.

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.

Fer Servadou

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.

Cornalin

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.

Cornalin

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

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

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.

Similar but less tannic

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

Grenache

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 softer and rounder.

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.

Prokupac

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

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

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Sagrantino

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

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

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.

Similar but softer

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

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.

Negroamaro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.

Cornalin

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.

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 more oaky, and less tannic and softer.

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cornalin

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

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Ruby Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.

Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic 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.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.

Jumilla Monastrell

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.

Montsant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.

Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.

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 more oaky, and softer and rounder.

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher and more acidic.

Similar but more restrained

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

Cornalin

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

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

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Bobal

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

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

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 more oaky, and softer and rounder.

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.

Jaen

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.

Similar but more savoury

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

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

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

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.

Similar but fruitier

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

Primitivo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Primitivo di Manduria

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.

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.

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 less tannic and softer.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Cornalin

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

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

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Bobal

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

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

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.

Cornalin

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

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

Broad-leaved Melnik

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

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

Tinto Cão

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

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

Bobal

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

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

A step up

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

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 less tannic and softer.

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

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 more oaky.

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.