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, too alcoholic or warming, too earthy or musty and too floral or soapy.
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 alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and 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 alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
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 alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
California Rhône blend
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 alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
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 alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Super Tuscan
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 alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Bolgheri
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 alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Montsant
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 alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
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 less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montsant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Tibouren
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
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 in alcohol, and riper and less green.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Super Tuscan
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
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 in alcohol.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
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 in alcohol.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
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 more neutral and subtle.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Champagne
Both come from the same country.
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.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Ruby Port
Ruby 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.
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.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Castelão
Castelão scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Super Tuscan
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more 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 less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
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 less floral.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
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 lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Négrette
Both come from the same country.
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.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
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 more neutral and subtle.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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 more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
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 lighter in alcohol.
Super Tuscan
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
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 lighter in alcohol.
Super Tuscan
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
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 lighter in alcohol.
Super Tuscan
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Super Tuscan
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
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 lighter in alcohol.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montsant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
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 lighter in alcohol.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montsant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
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 in alcohol.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.