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, the peppery, spicy character and the rich, ripe dark fruit, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming.
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.
Blaufränkisch
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.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
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.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Pinot Meunier
Both come from the same country.
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 broader and softer, and fruitier.
Gamay
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
curatedA 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 broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
California Rhône blend
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.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
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.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Mavrud
Mavrud scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
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.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
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.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
Ruby Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Vintage Port
Vintage Port scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 less spicy.
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.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Zweigelt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Syrah
curatedA 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 broader and softer, and less spicy.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 broader and softer, and more savoury.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
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.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
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 fruitier.
Primitivo
Primitivo 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.
Syrah
curatedA 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 broader and softer, and fruitier.
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.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Southern Rhône blend
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.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
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.