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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.

I like…

The bright red fruit The rich dark fruit How fresh and crisp it is The firm, grippy structure That it is not oaky The spice

But it’s a bit…

too tart or sour-fruited too sharp or acidic too alcoholic or warming too light or thin too plain or too simple too peppery

Clear all

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 peppery, spicy character, while moving away from too peppery, too alcoholic or warming and too sharp or acidic.

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.

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.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

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 some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Cornalin

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Valais Cornalin

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
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.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Red Bordeaux

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.

Cornalin

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Red Bordeaux

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.

Cornalin

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

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.

Poulsard

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.

Schiava

Schiava scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.

Cinsault

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.

Grolleau

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.

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.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Red Bordeaux

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Super Tuscan

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.

Nero d’Avola

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.

Grenache

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 softer and rounder.

California Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.

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 lighter in alcohol.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Super Tuscan

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.

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 less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.

Port

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and broader and softer.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Port

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.

Ruby Port

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.

Late Bottled Vintage Port

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.

Vin Doux Naturel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less tannic 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 lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Red Bordeaux

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Cornalin

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Douro red

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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 lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.

Rioja

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.

Rioja Reserva

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.

Mourvèdre

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.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.

Primitivo di Manduria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less tannic and softer.

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

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Red Bordeaux

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Cornalin

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

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

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Cornalin

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.

Jumilla Monastrell

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.

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 lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Red Bordeaux

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.

Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

How these are chosen

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.