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 bright red-fruited character and the rich, ripe dark fruit, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming 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.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- 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.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
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.
Beaujolais
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.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Cinsault
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Pinot Meunier
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Gamay
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Cerasuolo di Vittoria scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Baga
Baga scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Bairrada Baga
Bairrada Baga scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
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 fruitier.
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.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Ruby Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
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.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Gamay
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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti
Chianti scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Etna Rosso
Etna Rosso scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Nerello Mascalese
Nerello Mascalese scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 broader and softer.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
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.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Gamay
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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 broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Merlot
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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.