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 plain or too simple 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.
Egri Bikavér
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 plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Corvina
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 plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Brunello di Montalcino
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 plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Jumilla Monastrell
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 plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- 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 plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Oregon Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- 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.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.
Beaujolais
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
País
País scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
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 lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more restrained in fruit.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Oregon Pinot Noir
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.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Alentejo red
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 lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Egri Bikavér
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.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
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 fuller and richer.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Jumilla Monastrell
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 lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Nero d’Avola
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Brunello di Montalcino
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.
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 broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
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.
Red Burgundy
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 restrained in fruit.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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.
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.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Oregon Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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 broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
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 broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.