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 moving away from 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.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Australian Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- 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.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
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 spicier.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Colombard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 less floral, and softer and rounder.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
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 less floral, and riper and less green.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 less floral, and fuller and richer.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
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 less floral, and fuller and richer.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
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 less floral, and sweeter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stiller.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and stiller.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Rondo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Trousseau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Rondo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 less floral, and fuller and richer.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
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 floral, and softer and rounder.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
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 less floral, and softer and rounder.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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.
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 less floral, and softer and rounder.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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 less floral, and fuller and richer.
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 fuller and richer.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
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 less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
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 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.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
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 spicier.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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 spicier.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
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.