Canon Fronsac
endlessly charming
Tucked away just to the south of its big sister and kindred spirit Fronsac, Canon Fronsac has its own distinctive style: beautiful rolling hills, well-preserved natural wonders, and wines of immense quality crafted in small quantities by passionate winegrowers. A mini-terroir with an abundance of charm.
What is the Canon Fronsac wine region?
Key points to remember
- With just 250 hectares of vines, Canon Fronsac is one of the smallest PDOs in Bordeaux, comprising 40 estates scattered between the villages of Fronsac and Saint-Michel de Fronsac.
- A succession of hillsides and plateaux just outside Libourne and easily accessible from Bordeaux. This terroir ticks all the boxes when it comes to making distinctive and distinguished reds: asteriated limestone and Fronsac molasse (read on to find out more), a clement microclimate, and the dual influence of the Isle and Dordogne Rivers, which embrace it.
- Sustainable techniques in the vineyards and cellar, with agroecological practices incorporated into the PDO’s technical specifications as far back as 2011. Not to mention the fact that 85% of Canon Fronsac’s vines already hold environmental certifications.
Why do people love Canon Fronsac and its wines?
- Because these are wines of outstanding quality with a certain je ne sais quoi, the mark of an exceptional terroir.
- And because each bottle tells you something about the winegrower that crafted it: the precision of their work, their passion for wine and their unwavering commitments.
- Around here, taking care of the environment has been standard practice for as long as anyone can remember.
- Passed down from one generation to the next, these family-run estates are custodians of Canon Fronsac’s fascinating history.
- Many of them enjoy breath-taking views over the Dordogne and are well worth a visit.
- Because Canon Fronsac is an appellation to explore on the ground as well as in the glass: charming villages, an abundance of natural beauty, estates to visit, wine trails to explore… Where shall we start?
What is the
Canon Fronsac style ?
Generosity, depth, elegance. Canon Fronsac is the kind of wine that makes an immediate and lasting impression.
The first thing that strikes you is the enticing, ruby-red color.
The next is the procession of aromas: red and black berries (blackberry, cherry, blackcurrant) in close harmony, their elegance and liveliness elevated by subtle spicy notes. Occasionally, a hint of truffle or leather joins the party. On the palate, these wines are full-bodied and elegant, underpinned by prominent but finely-chiselled tannins.
Better still: these are wines built to age gracefully. As the years go by, the wines of Canon Fronsac gain in complexity… and charm.
Which kind of wines can be found in Canon Fronsac?
Only red wines, of course!
Merlot (80% of all vines) is king in these parts. What makes it so special? Its color, round texture, aromatic complexity and generous flavours. Cabernet Franc (15%) adds a dash of elegance and spice, with its unmistakeable freshness and tannic structure. Cabernet Sauvignon (5%) adds another touch of spice to the blend, with its rich character and incredible knack for creating ageworthy wines.
Fun facts
Three fun facts you need to know about Canon Fronsac
Three fun facts you need to know about Canon Fronsac
1.
Once upon a time, Fronsac was better known as “Fronciacus”. How do we know? Thanks in large part to Eginhard, biographer of the mighty Charlemagne, who mentioned the village in his 8th-century chronicles.
2.
In 1900, the most common grape variety grown here was Malbec. Nowadays Malbec has virtually disappeared, giving way to Merlot as the undisputed star of the appellation.
3.
The Tertre de Canon, one of many rocky outcrops overlooking the Dordogne River, stands 61 meters tall. As you can probably imagine, the view from up there is simply sublime.
Let’s talk about the soil
A big part of what makes Canon-Fronsac special is its unique soils: a magnificent mix of asteriated limestone and the famous clay-limestone soils known locally as “Fronsac molasse”.
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Well-irrigated but never waterlogged, they imbue the wines with their trademark richness and complexity. Each grape variety thrives in slightly different conditions: Merlot adores the cool comfort of clay-limestone, while Cabernet Franc enjoys limestone and Cabernet Sauvignon excels in the warmest, driest soils.
Let’s travel back in time
Fronsac rapidly emerged as a strategic stop-off for pilgrims en route to Santiago de Compostela. The monasteries which hosted these pilgrims had been making wine since the 8th century and, throughout the long periods of English rule, much of their output was exported across the Channel.
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In 1663, the Duke of Richelieu decided to make himself Duke of Fronsac too, and his heirs kept up the family tradition by making sure that Fronsac wines made their way to the tables of Versailles. The Libourne region really came into its own in the 18th century: the reputation and prestige of its wines continued to grow, boosted by the rise of international maritime trade.
The Canon Fronsac appellation was officially created in 1939, originally going by the name “Côtes de Canon Fronsac” until 1964. The appellation remains a firm favorite with Bordeaux connoisseurs and is a reliable source of hidden gems.
