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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 the rich, ripe dark fruit, the bright red-fruited character and that the fruit is not covered in oak.
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 the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Fer Servadou
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 bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
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.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more 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 lighter, and more oaky.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Loureiro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Kabinett
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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 fuller and richer, and less spicy.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.
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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Baga
Baga scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Bairrada Baga
Bairrada Baga scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Xinomavro
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.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.
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 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 broader and softer, and more herbal and green.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
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 stiller, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and sweeter.
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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
Lambrusco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more sparkling.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
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 more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Cortese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Seyval Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.
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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cru Beaujolais
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.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.
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.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah 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.
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 more oaky.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Southern Rhône blend
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Grenache
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 more oaky.
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.