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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 rich, ripe dark fruit, while moving away from too peppery and too plain or too simple.

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.

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Fetească Neagră

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Malbec

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Alicante Bouschet

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Touriga Franca

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of 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 more savoury, and broader and softer.

Fetească Neagră

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

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

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.

Alicante Bouschet

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

Cabernet Sauvignon

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 broader and softer.

Fetească Neagră

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

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

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.

Alicante Bouschet

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

English still Pinot Noir

English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Beaujolais

Both come from the same country.

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

Valpolicella

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

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

Schiava

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

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

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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.

Red Burgundy

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

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Alicante Bouschet

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

Similar but less tannic

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

Merlot

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 more savoury.

Rioja Crianza

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

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

Nero d’Avola

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

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

Agiorgitiko

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

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 more savoury.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tannat

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Similar but softer

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

Agiorgitiko

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

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

Alentejo red

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

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

Alicante Bouschet

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

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 fruitier, and less tannic and softer.

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.

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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 fruitier, and more savoury.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Pinotage

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

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Agiorgitiko

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

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

Alentejo red

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

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

Alicante Bouschet

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

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 more savoury, and softer and rounder.

Cabernet Sauvignon

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 broader and softer.

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.

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.

Fetească Neagră

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

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

Alicante Bouschet

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

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 more savoury, and softer and rounder.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

Petit Verdot

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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 broader and softer.

Red Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Sangiovese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Mourvèdre

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

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 fruitier, and less tannic and softer.

Primitivo di Manduria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.

Cabernet Sauvignon

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 broader and softer.

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.

Syrah

curated

A close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.

Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

Something more adventurous

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

Fetească Neagră

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

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

Alicante Bouschet

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

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.

Fetească Neagră

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

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

Alicante Bouschet

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

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 more savoury, and broader and softer.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.

Merlot

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

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

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.