If you like this, try…
Wines like Rondo
A disease-resistant red hybrid grown in northern Europe, including Wales and England. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Rondo?
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 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".
- 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.
- How smooth and soft it is
- Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
Looking for something moving away from too jammy or sweet-tasting.
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.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
English still Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Schiava
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.
Hunter Valley Semillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Molinara
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
English still Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Crémant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and less tannic and softer.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more sparkling.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more floral.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and riper and less green.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Tawny Port
Tawny Port scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.
Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
English still Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and drier.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and earthier.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
English still Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
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.
Tibouren
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
Poulsard
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
English still Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
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.