Comparison
Cabernet Franc vs Merlot
How Cabernet Franc and Merlot differ, dimension by dimension.
The short answer
Cabernet Franc and Merlot come from the same country but sit in different territory. The main differences: Cabernet Franc has more floral character; Cabernet Franc has more herbal / green character; Cabernet Franc has more earthy character.
Choose
Cabernet Franc
Choose Cabernet Franc if you want something more floral, more herbal and green, earthier.
Where they genuinely differ
Only differences large enough to notice in the glass are listed here. A gap of half a point on a five-point scale is noise, and WineHQ does not dress it up as a finding.
Floral character
Clear differenceBlossom, rose, violet, elderflower, acacia and related aromatic notes.
Cabernet Franc is more floral: medium against low.
Herbal / green character
Clear differenceHerbs, grass, blackcurrant leaf, capsicum and other green notes, largely driven by methoxypyrazines and picking decisions.
Cabernet Franc is more herbal and green: medium-plus against low-medium.
Earthy character
Clear differenceForest floor, mushroom, wet stone, clay and undergrowth notes. Frequently, though not exclusively, associated with cooler and more traditional styles.
Cabernet Franc is earthier: medium against low.
Acidity
Clear differenceTotal perceived acidity. Rises in cooler climates and with earlier picking; falls with heat and ripeness.
Cabernet Franc is fresher and more acidic: medium-plus against medium.
Alcohol
Clear differencePerceived alcoholic strength, which tracks actual ABV but is modified by sweetness, acidity and body.
Merlot is stronger and warmer: medium-plus against medium.
Body
Clear differenceThe overall weight and viscosity of the wine in the mouth — a composite of alcohol, sugar, extract and glycerol.
Merlot is fuller and richer: medium-plus against medium.
Where they are much the same
Just as useful: knowing which parts of the choice do not matter.
- Sweetness: Similar — both low.
- Tannin: Similar — both medium.
- Savoury character: Similar — both medium.
- Carbonation: Similar — both low.
Full side by side
| Dimension | Cabernet Franc | Merlot |
|---|---|---|
| Floral character | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium-plus (3/5) | low (1/5) |
| Herbal / green character | typically medium-plus, ranging from low-medium to high (4/5) | typically low-medium, ranging from low to medium (2/5) |
| Earthy character | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium-plus (3/5) | low (1/5) |
| Acidity | typically medium-plus, ranging from medium to high (4/5) | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium (3/5) |
| Alcohol | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium-plus (3/5) | typically medium-plus, ranging from medium to medium-plus (4/5) |
| Body | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium-plus (3/5) | typically medium-plus, ranging from medium to high (4/5) |
| Fruit intensity | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium-plus (3/5) | typically medium-plus, ranging from medium to medium-plus (4/5) |
| Aromatic intensity | typically medium-plus, ranging from medium to high (4/5) | medium (3/5) |
| Oak influence | typically low-medium, ranging from low to medium (2/5) | typically medium, ranging from low to medium-plus (3/5) |
| Spice | low (1/5) | typically low-medium, ranging from low to medium (2/5) |
| Perceived freshness | typically medium-plus, ranging from medium to high (4/5) | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium (3/5) |
| Texture | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium (3/5) | typically medium-plus, ranging from medium to medium-plus (4/5) |
| Sweetness | low (1/5) | low (1/5) |
| Tannin | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium-plus (3/5) | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium-plus (3/5) |
| Savoury character | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium-plus (3/5) | typically medium, ranging from low-medium to medium (3/5) |
| Carbonation | low (1/5) | low (1/5) |
| Serve at | 14–16°C | 15–17°C |
| Typical flavours | raspberry, red plum, graphite, bell pepper, violet | plum, black cherry, chocolate, cedar, fruitcake |
Values are typical points within each wine’s range. Both wines vary — see the individual pages for how much.
Read more
Grape
Cabernet Franc
Parent of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and in its own right a lighter, leafier, more floral red.
Grape
Merlot
A plush, plum-scented Bordeaux variety that ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon and produces softer, rounder wine.
Comparison
Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot
The two halves of the Bordeaux blend — which is firmer, and which should you choose?
Comparison
Pinot Noir vs Merlot
Two softer reds that suit different things — which is lighter, and which is smoother?
Comparison
Merlot vs Shiraz
Two soft, approachable reds — which is bigger, and which is smoother?