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 keeping how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too green or grassy and too light or thin.
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.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
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 spicier.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, 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.
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 spicier.
Syrah
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.
Morgon
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.
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 more neutral and subtle.
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.
Cinsault
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Beaujolais
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
País
País 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.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Morgon
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Gamay
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A 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.
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 more neutral and subtle.
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 spicier.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
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 more neutral and subtle.
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 more neutral and subtle.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Syrah
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.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
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
Lambrusco scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
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.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stiller.
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 more neutral and subtle.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Vin Doux Naturel
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Port
Port scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
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 more neutral and subtle.
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.
Graciano
Graciano 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 more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
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 aromatic, and riper and less green.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green, and lighter.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
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 more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
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 more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
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 neutral and subtle.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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 more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle.
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.
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 spicier.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Syrah
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.
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 more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle.
Morgon
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.
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 more neutral and subtle.
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 more neutral and subtle, 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 more neutral and subtle.
Morgon
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.
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 more neutral and subtle.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Syrah
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.
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 lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
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.