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 and too earthy or musty.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
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.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
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.
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.
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.
Chianti
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.
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.
Rondo
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.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has noticeably less of the herbal, green edge.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
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 softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
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 softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Change the structure
Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.
Similar but lighter
Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.
Tibouren
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.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Molinara
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 riper and less green, and earthier.
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 riper and less green, and earthier.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
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 softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera d’Asti
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 structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
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.
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.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
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.
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 softer and rounder.
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 broader and softer.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 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.
Muscat Bailey A
Both sit in the same style family.
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 softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rondo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and 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.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
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.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
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 softer and rounder, and more floral.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more aromatic.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco 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.
Melon de Bourgogne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Jacquère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and 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.
Graciano
Graciano scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both sit in the same style family.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
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 softer and rounder.
Tibouren
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 more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less floral.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less floral.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less floral.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less floral.
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 broader and softer, 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 riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
California Rhône blend
California Rhône blend scores closest to Loire Cabernet Franc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
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 broader and softer.
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 earthier.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
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 broader and softer.
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 Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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 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.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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 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.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less floral.
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.