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 keeping that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too jammy or sweet-tasting and too light or thin.
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.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- About as jammy or sweet-tasting as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
País
País scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Portugieser
Portugieser 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.
Grolleau
Grolleau 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.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Uruguayan Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Douro red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
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 Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
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 Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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 oaky, and lighter.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.