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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 that the fruit is not covered in oak and the peppery, spicy character, while moving away from too peppery, too plain or too simple 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.
You said you like that the fruit is not covered in oak and that it is too plain or too simple. Both are about oak influence, 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.

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Egri Bikavér

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Pinot Noir

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Corvina

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Rioja Crianza

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

Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less plain or too simple.
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.

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 herbal and green.

Egri Bikavér

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.

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 herbal and green.

Egri Bikavér

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

Grolleau

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

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.

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.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and stronger and warmer.

Red Burgundy

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

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

Grolleau

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Uruguayan Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

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 fuller and richer.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.

Rioja Crianza

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Nero d’Avola

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

California Pinot Noir

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

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

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 fuller and richer.

Touriga Nacional

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Petite Sirah

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Fetească Neagră

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Nero d’Avola

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more herbal and green.

Rioja Crianza

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

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 broader and softer, and sweeter.

Lambrusco

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

Franciacorta

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Similar but sweeter

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more sparkling.

Touriga Nacional

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

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

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.

Port

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

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Pinot Noir

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

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

Douro red

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Fetească Neagră

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Nero d’Avola

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.

Malbec

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

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 aromatic, and more savoury.

Egri Bikavér

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and sweeter.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.

Malbec

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Pinot Noir

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 earthier.

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 herbal and green.

Mourvèdre

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

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

Sangiovese

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Petite Sirah

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

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

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 spicier.

Primitivo di Manduria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.

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 herbal and green.

Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.

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 broader and softer, and more herbal and green.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Egri Bikavér

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Fetească Neagră

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.

Egri Bikavér

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.

Corvina

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.

Fetească Neagră

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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 broader and softer, and more herbal and green.

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.

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 herbal and green, and earthier.

Rioja Crianza

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

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.