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 firm tannic structure.
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 firm tannic structure.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
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.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less spicy.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Refosco
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.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less spicy.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
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
Both come from the same country.
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 lighter.
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 lighter.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 lighter.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less spicy.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.
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 softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
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 softer and rounder.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and sweeter.
Southern Rhône blend
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 softer and rounder.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Aglianico
Aglianico scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Petit Verdot
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Brunello di Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Baga
Baga scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
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 less tannic and softer, and sweeter.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stiller.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more herbal and green.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
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 softer and rounder, and more oaky.
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 more oaky, and broader and softer.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more aromatic.
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.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more herbal and green.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and broader and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Cahors
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 less spicy.
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 fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and softer and rounder.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
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 more oaky, and broader and softer.
Red Bordeaux
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.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less spicy.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less spicy.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
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 oaky, and broader and softer.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
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.