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, the rich, ripe dark fruit and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from 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.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- 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.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
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.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stronger and warmer.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
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.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
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.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Mavrud
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
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.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
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
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.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more savoury.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
California Rhône blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Cabernet Sauvignon
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 savoury.
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.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Mavrud
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 less spicy, and more savoury.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Fetească Neagră
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Mavrud
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
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.
Primitivo
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.
Syrah
curatedA 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 less spicy, and more savoury.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
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.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.
Cabernet Sauvignon
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 savoury.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
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.