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.
Refine
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 light or thin and too alcoholic or warming.
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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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 light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Montefalco Sagrantino
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 light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sagrantino
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 light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Priorat
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 light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
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 light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
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 light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Shiraz
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 light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
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 more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 spicier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 spicier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
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.
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.
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 more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 spicier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
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.
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.
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 more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 spicier.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
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.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Barossa Shiraz
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 lighter in alcohol.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 spicier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chianti Classico
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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Baga
Baga scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 spicier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
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 more oaky.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
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 lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Vin Doux Naturel
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 sweeter.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
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.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Refosco
Refosco scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Trincadeira
Trincadeira scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
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 fruitier.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
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 lighter.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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 more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 spicier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
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 lighter, and more aromatic.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 spicier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 fruitier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
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 more oaky.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
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 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 lighter in alcohol.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
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 lighter in alcohol.
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 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 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 lighter in alcohol.
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 more oaky.
Madiran
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 more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol.
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.
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 more oaky.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 spicier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 spicier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more tannic and structured.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.