The Fronsac & Canon-Fronsac appellations

Fronsac & Canon-Fronsac, Right Bank Bordeaux wines

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, usually contain more Cabernet Sauvignon.

This difference in the dominant grape variety means that the styles 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 Bordeaux 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.

Fronsac & 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.

Chateau Gaby aerial photo.jpg

The spectacular vineyards of Château Gaby, a top class Canon-Fronsac château, are pictured above. See Château du Gaby Canon-Fronsac AC for a fine example of this appellation.

Lindsay Cornelissen DipWSET is passionate about good quality wine and set up Wines With Attitude to share that passion with other wine lovers.

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_{Photo of Château Gaby by kind permission of the Château}

The Fronsac & Canon-Fronsac appellations

Fronsac & Canon-Fronsac, Right Bank Bordeaux wines

Top Right Bank Bordeaux appellations

Fronsac & Canon-Fronsac

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