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 and the fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too floral or soapy, too earthy or musty and too tart or sour-fruited.
- You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about perceived freshness, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- A little 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.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- 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.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- 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.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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 softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder, and less floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder.
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 softer and rounder.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Valpolicella
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Similar but lower in alcohol
Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.
English still Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder.
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 softer and rounder, and lighter.
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 softer and rounder, 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 fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher.
Barbera
Barbera 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.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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 softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder, and less floral.
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 softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 fresher.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher.
Champagne
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher.
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 lighter, and softer and rounder.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
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 softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder.
Rondo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
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 softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 softer and rounder, and lighter.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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 softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder, and less floral.
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 softer and rounder.
Australian Grenache
Australian Grenache scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
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.
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 softer and rounder.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
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 softer and rounder.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less floral.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less floral.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
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 softer and rounder, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
California Rhône blend
California Rhône blend scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
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 softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
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.
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 softer and rounder, and lighter.
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 softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 softer and rounder, and less floral.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
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 softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 fruitier, 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 softer and rounder, and fruitier.
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.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
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 softer and rounder, and less floral.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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 softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
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 softer and rounder, and less floral.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
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.