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 the rich, ripe dark fruit and that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too green or grassy and too soft or too easy.
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.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
English still Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
English still Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Pinot Meunier
Pinot Meunier scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Cinsault
Cinsault scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Langhe Nebbiolo
Langhe Nebbiolo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more savoury.
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 less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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 less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stiller.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more restrained in fruit.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Vintage Port
Vintage Port scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Saperavi
Saperavi scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 more savoury.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Carignan
Carignan scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Cru Beaujolais
Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Brunello di Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.