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 firm tannic structure and the rich, ripe dark fruit, while moving away from too peppery and too tart or sour-fruited.
- 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.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has noticeably less of the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has noticeably less of the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has noticeably less of the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has noticeably less of the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially 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.
Red Bordeaux
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 more oaky.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Red Bordeaux
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 more oaky.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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 tannic and softer.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Cinsault
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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 tannic and softer.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Mourvèdre
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 broader and softer.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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 tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Mourvèdre
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 broader and softer.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
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 less tannic and softer.
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.
Red Bordeaux
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 stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Mourvèdre
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 broader and softer.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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 tannic and structured.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
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.
Red Bordeaux
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 more aromatic.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
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 broader and softer, and fruitier.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Red Bordeaux
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 more oaky.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo
Primitivo 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 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 fruitier, and broader and softer.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
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.
Red Bordeaux
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 more oaky.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Red Bordeaux
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 more oaky.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
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.