Cabernet Franc vs Merlot

Merlot is fuller, Cabernet Franc is more acidic.

Sweetness, body, tannin and acidity are our rating of a typical dry table wine from each grape.

Cabernet Franc

Red · Bordeaux, France

raspberry, bell pepper, graphite

Merlot

Red · France, Italy

soft, plummy, round

Bone dry
Sweetness: Bone dry; Medium
Body: Full; Medium
Tannin: Medium; High
Acidity: Medium; 12.5 to 14%
Alcohol: 13 to 14.5%; 15 to 17 °C
Serve at: 15 to 17 °C; Bordeaux, Loire
Regions: Bordeaux, Long Island, Napa Valley, Sonoma County

Only Cabernet Franc

Lentils and beans
Goat cheese and feta
Grilled vegetables

Both pair with

Chicken

Only Merlot

Pork
Pasta with tomato sauce
Burgers

Sources

Style profiles, pairings and serving figures are our own assessment. Regions and origins: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0); see the Cabernet Franc and Merlot pages.