Francs-Côtes de Bordeaux, the
small with big dreams
While Francs – Côtes de Bordeaux is one of the smallest Bordeaux appellations, it is definitely not lacking in character. Across its charming hilly landscape, nicknamed the “Tuscany of Bordeaux”, it produces fine wines ranging from reds full of character to elegant whites….
What is the Francs – Côtes de Bordeaux wine region?
Key points to remember
- A small 435-hectare appellation covering 3 communes – Saint-Cibard, Tayac and Francs (after which it is named) – where 37 winegrowers and 2 cooperatives produce fine wines.
- Vines perched on slopes nestled between the valleys of the Isle and Dordogne, extending from the Saint-Emilion hillside. Here the vines benefit from generous sun exposure, limited rainfall and significant variations between day- and night-time temperatures compared to elsewhere.
- The vineyards are surrounded by a serene landscape dotted with ruins of mills and dovecotes, alongside prairies and various crops in the deeper part of the valley. A real taste of the dolce vita!
Why do people love Francs – Côtes de Bordeaux and its wines?
- Because here, there is something to suit all tastes: from characterful reds to radiant dry whites and even delicious sweet white wines
- Because as one of the smallest Bordeaux appellations, it is a real gem in its own right
- Because you’ll find human-sized estates (10 hectares on average), allowing complete traceability from start to finish
- Because its characterful winegrowers know how to work the land and cultivate their terroir with pride
- Because it is at the forefront when it comes to preserving biodiversity, from biodynamic viticulture to agroforestry and combined winegrowing and farming practices
- Because the wines are not the only great thing about the appellation: its landscapes, laid-back lifestyle and 11th and 12th-century churches are also worth the detour
What is the
Francs-Côtes de bordeaux style?
While Francs – Côtes de Bordeaux also produces white wines, it is best known for its red wines.
Full-bodied red wines which are as characterful as their winegrowers
When young, these wines offer a burst of red fruit flavors. Over time, they become deeper, revealing notes of prune, leather and vanilla… and all the heart and soul of those who make them!
What about dry white wines? Rich, fruity and lively, they become particularly elegant with age, displaying notes of honey, pineapple and citrus, as well as oaky overtones. The very few sweet white wines produced are smooth, round and full-bodied on the palate, with notes of apricot, acacia blossom and tropical fruit that invite another sip!
All in all, an appellation filled with a multitude of wines… and even more flavor!
See also: Grape varietiesWhich kind of wines can be found in Francs – Côtes de Bordeaux?
Vous avez le choix : êtes-vous plutôt rouge, blanc sec ou blanc liquoreux ?
Do you prefer red wines, dry white wines or sweet white wines? It’s up to you to choose!
As for red grape varieties, several take pride of place in the appellation: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Carménère and Petit Verdot are also used in smaller quantities.
As for white grape varieties, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle are the four frontrunners. On rarer occasions, Colombard and Ugni Blanc are sometimes included in blends produced in the Francs – Côtes de Bordeaux appellation.
Fun facts
Two fun facts you need to know about Francs – Côtes de Bordeaux
Thought you knew everything there is to know about the appellation? Get ready…
1.
Flashback to 507: after his victory in Vouillé against the Visigoths, Clovis got his hands on the Aquitaine region in Southwest France. The King of the Francs ordered a group of men from his army to settle in one of the region’s hillsides, in a camp which was aptly named “Ad Francos” (from the Francs) and gradually became the village known as Francs.
2.
In 1893, a winegrower in Tayac discovered a treasure buried underneath the vines: two vases containing hundreds of gold coins, dozens of small gold bars and various vestiges of the past. A real miniature Aladdin’s cave! Part of the gold was melted down to make jewelry while another part was scattered… Since then, the famous “Tayac coins” sometimes reappear as part of an inheritance or in a museum, all over the world.
Let’s talk about the soil
The subsoil itself is just as exciting. The soil in the depths of the valley contains clay in varying proportions, while clay-limestone soils are found on the slopes.
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The deeper subsoils are equally diverse: limestone, marl from the Quaternary Period, scattered clay… and even a sediment rich in iron oxide. Not forgetting the presence of blue clay, rare in Bordeaux. Its super power? Precise water regulation for the vines, whether rain or shine.
Let’s travel back in time
Like in neighboring appellations, the vines in this area boast a very ancient local history. The proof? Here we find traces of the Gaulish settlers, as well as a menhir (standing stone).
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L’origine officielle de l’appellation, quant à elle, date du 26 mai 1967 : c’est à ce moment-là que l’AOP « Bordeaux Côtes de Francs » est créée par décret, avant d’être ajustée en 1976 et en 1989.
A second major turning point occurred in 2009, with the birth of the Côtes de Bordeaux PDO. This large family of vineyards planted on slopes brings together Blaye – Côtes de Bordeaux, Cadillac – Côtes de Bordeaux, Castillon – Côtes de Bordeaux and… Francs – Côtes de Bordeaux, the new name for Bordeaux Côtes de Francs. In 2016, Sainte-Foy – Côtes de Bordeaux also decided to join the adventure, which is still quietly gaining credibility thanks to its diverse terroirs and delicious, characterful wines.
