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 green or grassy, too alcoholic or warming and 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.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- 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.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
English still Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green, and more savoury.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more fruit-driven.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Tinta Negra
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 riper and less green, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
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 more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
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.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
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.