Located where the Dordogne and the Isle rivers meet, Fronsac wines are relatively masculine and full-bodied. They captivate with their more substantial consistence, different than the majority of Merlot wines from this region.
In a rugged landscape, Fronsac has a long history as a winegrowing terroir. The Libourne's elite recognized its excellence as early as the 18th century, even before Saint-Emilion.
It seems as though water is everywhere in Fronsac. The Isle River flows into the large Dordogne River creating a microclimate that reduces night frosts in spring and cools summer's heat.
The steep slopes in Fronsac are another unique feature of this terroir that the Bordeaux grape varieties appreciate, resulting in powerful and complex wines.
Fronsac has many different types of soils, but they all share the alluvial characteristics at the bottom of the slopes and clay-limestone hills (and even pure limestone, as in Saint-Emilion).
Deeper in the ground, rocks with chalk and clay are found (molasse) which is excellent for drainage.
Merlot, which prefers deep soil, ripens better here than Cabernet-Sauvignon. Cabernet-Franc contributes touches of raspberry and round but powerful tannins.
Fronsac wines are essentially hillside wines that have lots of body and a wonderful consistency in the mouth. This comes from the tannins from Cabernet-Franc and Merlot's roundness. With a powerful and distinguished nose, Fronsac expresses notes of red berries, pepper and spices.
Average yearly production: 36 233 Hl
Surface declared (2009): 819 Ha
Visit the Fronsac AOC’s web site.
