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 peppery, spicy character and the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too peppery, too light or thin and too alcoholic or warming.
- 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.
- You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too light or thin. Both are about body, 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.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
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 bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- 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.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.
Beaujolais
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
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.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
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 lighter.
Primitivo
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 lighter, and broader and softer.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
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 broader and softer, and more oaky.
Petit Verdot
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.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
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 lighter.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vin Doux Naturel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Ruby Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and earthier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Syrah
curatedA 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.
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.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Petit Verdot
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.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 broader and softer, and fruitier.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
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.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel 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.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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 lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
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.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
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.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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 lighter.
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.