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, while moving away from too peppery and too sharp or acidic.
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.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more herbal and green.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Trousseau
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 less tannic and softer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more herbal and green.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Trousseau
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 less tannic and softer.
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.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Beaujolais
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 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 less spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Mantinia Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more herbal and green.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and sweeter.
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 more floral, and more herbal and green.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and sweeter.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Tannat
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.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more herbal and green.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Ruby Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
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 more savoury, and broader and softer.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
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 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.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less tannic and softer.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.
Trousseau
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.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more herbal and green.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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 broader and softer.
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 more savoury.
Morgon
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.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 less spicy.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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 broader and softer.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
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 less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more herbal and green.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Trousseau
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 less tannic and softer.
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 less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more herbal and green.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Trousseau
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 less tannic and softer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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 broader and softer.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
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.