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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 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.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Castelão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- 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.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
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, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
English still rosé
Both are made from rondo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
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 riper and less green, and more oaky.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Grolleau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Molinara
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
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 riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
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 riper and less green, and more oaky.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stiller.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stronger and warmer.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
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 riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more sparkling.
Ruby Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and spicier.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
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.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
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.
Dornfelder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.