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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

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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 peppery, spicy character and the rich, ripe dark fruit, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too peppery.

You said you like the peppery, spicy character and that it is too peppery. Both are about spice, 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.

Grenache

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less peppery.

Zweigelt

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

Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less peppery.

Primitivo

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

Has some of the peppery, spicy 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 peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less peppery.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less peppery.

Jumilla Monastrell

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

Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less peppery.

Areni

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

Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less peppery.

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the peppery, spicy 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.

Grenache

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Zweigelt

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

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

Primitivo

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Grenache

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Zweigelt

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

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

Primitivo

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

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

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.

Frappato

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

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.

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.

Grenache

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Primitivo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 more floral.

Zweigelt

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

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

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 savoury, and softer and rounder.

Primitivo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 more floral.

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

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 savoury, and softer and rounder.

Primitivo

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Nero d’Avola

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.

Petit Verdot

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

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

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 savoury, and softer and rounder.

Primitivo

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Jumilla Monastrell

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.

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 fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Lambrusco

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

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.

Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more savoury.

Similar but sweeter

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

Ruby Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.

Primitivo

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

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

Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Vin Doux Naturel

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Primitivo

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

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

Jumilla Monastrell

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Malbec

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

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

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Cabernet Sauvignon

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 more savoury.

Syrah

curated

A 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.

Zweigelt

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

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

Primitivo

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

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

Jumilla Monastrell

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.

Areni

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Malbec

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Grenache

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Petit Verdot

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Jumilla Monastrell

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.

Grenache

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

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 fruitier, and fuller and richer.

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Primitivo di Manduria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

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 savoury, and softer and rounder.

Primitivo

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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 more savoury.

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

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 lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.

Australian Grenache

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

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

Jumilla Monastrell

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

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

Areni

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

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

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 lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.

Australian Grenache

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

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

Jumilla Monastrell

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

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

Areni

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

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

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 savoury, and softer and rounder.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.

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.