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 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.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
- 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.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Cinsault
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella 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 more restrained in fruit.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more restrained in fruit.
Graciano
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.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 more savoury, and riper and less green.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
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 fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
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.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Ruby Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
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.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 more savoury, and riper and less green.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Jumilla Monastrell
Jumilla Monastrell scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.
Chilean Pinot Noir
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Primitivo di Manduria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Barossa Shiraz
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 lighter in alcohol, 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.