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 and the fresh, crisp acidity.
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.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Red Burgundy
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 fresh, crisp acidity.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Red Burgundy
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.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
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 broader and softer, and more oaky.
Red Burgundy
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.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Molinara
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Red Burgundy
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.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and stronger and warmer.
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 herbal and green.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.
Red Burgundy
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.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Northern Rhône Syrah
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Hawke’s Bay Syrah scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and broader and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
Vintage Port
Vintage Port scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Tawny Port
Tawny Port scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and earthier.
Red Burgundy
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 earthier.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.
Syrah
curatedA close genetic relative with the same peppery signature.
Expect: Fuller-bodied and riper.
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 broader and softer, and more aromatic.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Red Burgundy
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.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Red Burgundy
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.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Mondeuse Noire across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.
Red Burgundy
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.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader 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 broader and softer, and more oaky.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
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 broader and softer, and more oaky.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Saperavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.