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, while moving away from too light or thin 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.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the rich, ripe dark fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- 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.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stronger and warmer.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stronger and warmer.
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, and less tannic and softer.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 less tannic and softer.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic 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 less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and stiller.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Port
Port scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
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.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.