If you like this, try…
Wines like Loire Cabernet Franc
Chinon, Bourgueil and Saumur-Champigny: medium-light, high-acid reds with raspberry fruit and a graphite, leafy edge. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Loire 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
- The bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- How fresh and crisp it is
- Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
- 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.
- The herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- 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 the herbal, green edge, while moving away from too earthy or musty, too alcoholic or warming, too floral or soapy and too tart or sour-fruited.
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.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
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.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Chilean Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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 lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 in alcohol, and less floral.
Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
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.
Tibouren
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
País
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
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 lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Fer Servadou
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 broader and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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 lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tibouren
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.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
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 lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 in alcohol, and less floral.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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 lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chilean Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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 Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tawny Port
Tawny Port scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Ruby Port
Ruby Port scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
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 broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tibouren
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
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 lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
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 in alcohol, and lighter.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
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.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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 lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
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 in alcohol, and less floral.
Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Australian Grenache
Australian Grenache scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Loire 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.
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 less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
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 in alcohol.
Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Chilean Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter in alcohol.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Rhône blend
California Rhône blend scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
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.
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 lighter in alcohol, 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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
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 in alcohol, and fruitier.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
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 lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 in alcohol, and less floral.
Cabernet Franc
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 in alcohol, and lighter.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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 fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
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.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 in alcohol, and less floral.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and broader and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
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 lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.