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 rich, ripe dark fruit and that the fruit is not covered in oak, 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.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less peppery.
Frühburgunder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- 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.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Schiava
Schiava 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 less spicy.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Pinot Meunier
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa 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.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Tinta Barroca
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 more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Tinta Barroca
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 more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
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 oaky, and more savoury.
Petit Verdot
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Montefalco Sagrantino scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Tinta Barroca
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 more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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 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.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Ruby Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Gamay
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Morgon
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
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.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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 more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 more savoury, and more oaky.
Tinta Negra
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.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
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.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
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 more savoury.
Merlot
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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.