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, the peppery, spicy character and the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too peppery 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.
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.
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.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
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.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the firm tannic 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 alcoholic or warming.
Saperavi
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.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- 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 alcoholic or warming.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- 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 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.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 fuller and richer.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 fuller and richer.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
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 in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Frappato
Frappato 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.
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.
Red Burgundy
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Rosso di Montalcino
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.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.
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 broader and softer.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and broader and softer.
New Zealand 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.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader 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 broader and softer, and less tannic and softer.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
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 broader and softer, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and broader and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Ruby Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Fetească Neagră
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
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 more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 fuller and richer.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Red Bordeaux
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.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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 fuller and richer.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Red Bordeaux
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.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 fuller and richer.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 fuller and richer.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Red Bordeaux
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.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.