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.
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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.
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 the fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too peppery and too tart or sour-fruited.
- You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about perceived freshness, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the rich, ripe dark fruit and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about fruit intensity, 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.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
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.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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, and less spicy.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
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 softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
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 softer and rounder.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.
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.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
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.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
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.