Fronsac & Canon-Fronsac; great value right bank Bordeaux
"Right bank Bordeaux" refers to wines from the vineyards on the North bank of the Gironde and Dordogne rivers. The wines are characterised by the dominance of Merlot in the blend of grapes used. 
Left Bank Bordeaux wines, generally from much larger estates in the Médoc region with appellations such as Margaux, St Julien and Pauillac and in the Pessac-Léognan/ Graves region, contain more Cabernet Sauvignon.
This difference in the dominant grape means that the style of right bank and left bank Bordeaux are quite different.
-
Cabernet Sauvignon is better suited to the well-drained gravel soils of the left bank and produces more tannic, full-bodied, deep coloured wines that can be austere in their youth but have great longevity.
-
Merlot-dominant wines tend to be fragrant, lighter in colour with lower acidity and tannins. As a result they tend to be softer, medium-bodied and when well-made still rich and lush with ageing potential.
Top Right Bank appellations
The appellations of St Emilion and Pomerol are generally better known these days than Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac; together the 4 appellations account for only about 10% of the vineyards of Bordeaux but they produce some really fabulous wines. Whilst St Emilion and Pomerol are more popular, their prices have risen in recent years after several good vintages in the Bordeaux region as a whole and consequently it is worth looking to Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac, considered the superior appellation of the two, for a similar flavour profile and better value.
The appellations of St Emilion and Pomerol are generally better known these days than Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac; together the 4 appellations account for only about 10% of the vineyards of Bordeaux but they produce some really fabulous wines. Whilst St Emilion and Pomerol are more popular, their prices have risen in recent years after several good vintages in the Bordeaux region as a whole and consequently it is worth looking to Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac, considered the superior appellation of the two, for a similar flavour profile and better value.
Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac
The Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac vineyards are on the limestone soils of the higher land away from the river bank; the cool soils help the grapes reach full size during the hotter vintages. But poor soils and the difficult Merlot grape require careful viticulture. In recent years, a new generation of winemakers, investment in equipment and improvements in wine-making techniques have led to better quality, juicy yet elegant wines that can compete with their better known neighbours.
The Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac vineyards are on the limestone soils of the higher land away from the river bank; the cool soils help the grapes reach full size during the hotter vintages. But poor soils and the difficult Merlot grape require careful viticulture. In recent years, a new generation of winemakers, investment in equipment and improvements in wine-making techniques have led to better quality, juicy yet elegant wines that can compete with their better known neighbours.
The spectacular vineyards of Château Gaby, a top class Canon-Fronsac château, are pictured above. See Château du Gaby Canon-Fronsac AC 2002 and Château du Gaby Canon-Fronsac AC 2004 for fine examples from this appellation.
Lindsay Cornelissen DipWSET, www.wineswithattitude.co.uk
© Wines With Attitude Limited
Lindsay is passionate about good quality wine and set up her online wine business, Wines With Attitude, in 2014 to share that passion with other wine lovers.
© Wines With Attitude Limited
Lindsay is passionate about good quality wine and set up her online wine business, Wines With Attitude, in 2014 to share that passion with other wine lovers.
Feeling sociable? Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or share our blog via the buttons below
Interested in more? Sign up for our newsletters here or read more blogs via the button below Read More of the Latest News