If you like this, try…
Wines like Cabernet Franc
Parent of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and in its own right a lighter, leafier, more floral red. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Cabernet Franc?
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
- 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.
- The herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- How aromatic it is
- Some grapes announce themselves from across the room — Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc. Others are far quieter, and quiet is not the same as dull.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- The earthy, mineral side
- Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
Looking for something moving away from too floral or soapy, too light or thin 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.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- 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.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
País
País scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Baga
Baga scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Bairrada Baga
Bairrada Baga scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
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 Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Vin Doux Naturel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Bobal
Bobal scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Refosco
Refosco scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Broad-leaved Melnik
Broad-leaved Melnik scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Taurasi
Taurasi scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, somewhere else
Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
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
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
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.