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 light or thin and too alcoholic or warming.
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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Grenache
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 light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
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.
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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Refosco
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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
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 lighter, and more savoury.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less tannic and softer.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Rosso di Montalcino
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 lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
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 lighter.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stiller.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vintage Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and sweeter.
Ruby Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and sweeter.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and sweeter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
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.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more aromatic.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 more oaky, and broader and softer.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
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.