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 soft or too easy, too green or grassy and too jammy or sweet-tasting.
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Nero di Troia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less jammy or sweet-tasting.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Colorino
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 fruitier.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Colorino
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 fruitier.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
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 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.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 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 less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Schiava
Schiava 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 riper and less green.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
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.
Tinto Cão
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.
Colorino
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 fruitier.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
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 riper and less green.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Vintage Port
Vintage Port scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Baga
Baga scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Bairrada Baga
Bairrada Baga scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
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 more oaky, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Colorino
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 fruitier.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more oaky.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less tannic and softer.
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 fruitier, and more oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Red Bordeaux
Red Bordeaux scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Colorino
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 fruitier.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and riper and less green.
Colorino
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 fruitier.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and riper and less green.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Red Bordeaux
Red Bordeaux scores closest to Rondo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
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.