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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.
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, the rich, ripe dark fruit and the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too peppery.
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.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less peppery.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less peppery.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less peppery.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less peppery.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
Trousseau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less peppery.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, 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.
Pinot Meunier
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 less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pinot Meunier
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 less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Cinsault
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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, and less spicy.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Loureiro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Pinot Meunier
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 less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
Cinsault
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Brunello di Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Baga
Baga scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Bairrada Baga
Bairrada Baga scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Pinot Meunier
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 less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
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 broader and softer.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
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 oaky.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Cortese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
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 broader and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Gamay
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 oaky.
Pinot Meunier
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 less tannic and softer.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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 more savoury.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Trousseau
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.
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 more oaky, and fruitier.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader 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.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
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 more oaky.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pinot Meunier
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 less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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.
Pinot Meunier
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 less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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 more oaky.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
Merlot
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.