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 peppery, spicy character.
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.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
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 oaky, and earthier.
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.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more herbal and green.
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 oaky, and earthier.
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.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more herbal and green.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
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 spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Trousseau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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 fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.
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 stronger and warmer, and more oaky.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and broader and softer.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and broader and softer.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
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 fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
California Rhône blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Southern Rhône blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more herbal and green.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
California Rhône blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
California Rhône blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
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 spicy, and sweeter.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more oaky.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and broader and softer.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and broader and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
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 fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more savoury.
California Rhône blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader 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.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Pinot Noir
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.
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 aromatic, and more oaky.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and broader and softer.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and broader and softer.
Fetească Neagră
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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 oaky, and earthier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more savoury.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
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 oaky, and fruitier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more herbal and green.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more oaky.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
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 oaky, and earthier.
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.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more herbal and green.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
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 oaky, and earthier.
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.
Trincadeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more herbal and green.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
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 fuller and richer, and more oaky.
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.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and earthier.
Southern Rhône blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more herbal and green.
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.