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 alcoholic or warming and 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.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- 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.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
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.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Cinsault
Cinsault scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Molinara
Molinara 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.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Graciano
Graciano scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Oregon Pinot Noir
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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 stiller, and riper and less green.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Ruby Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and earthier.
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 riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
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.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
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.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
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.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more savoury.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more oaky.
Barossa Shiraz
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.