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.
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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, too light or thin, too alcoholic or warming, too plain or too simple and too green or grassy.
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- More jammy or sweet-tasting, not less.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
País
País scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
English still Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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 fruitier, and lighter.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stiller.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Vin Doux Naturel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter, and riper and less green.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
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 lighter, and riper and less green.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.