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.
Refine
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 rich, ripe dark fruit, the peppery, spicy character and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too peppery.
- 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.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Has some of the firm tannic structure, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
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 more oaky.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
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 more oaky.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Cinsault
Both come from the same country.
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.
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.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Trousseau
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
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 more savoury.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more savoury.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
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 more savoury, and more oaky.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
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 fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, 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.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
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 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.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.
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 more oaky.
Syrah
curatedA 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.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
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.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more floral.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
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 more oaky.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
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.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
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 more oaky.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
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 more oaky.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.
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 more oaky.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.
Valais Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.
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 more oaky.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
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.