Francs Côtes de Bordeaux

The Francs Côtes de Bordeaux appellation is located about 50 kilometers northeast of Bordeaux. It is one of the smallest and easternmost appellations in the department, having been granted AOC status by the INAO in 1967.

The Francs Côtes de Bordeaux vineyard covers 525 hectares spread across three communes: Francs, Saint Cibard, and Tayac. Its terroir consists in the south of asterian limestone covered with limestone molasses known as “l’agenais,” and in the rest of the appellation of limestone molasses known as “du fronsadais.” Despite its predominantly eastern exposure, it enjoys excellent sunshine and low rainfall. Temperatures are lower in winter and higher in summer—by 2 to 3°—than in the surrounding terroirs.

The grape varieties of the Francs Côtes de Bordeaux AOC are diverse. For red wines, Merlot is the dominant variety, as in the entire Libourne region, accounting for between 50 and 60%. Next come Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, representing approximately 40 to 50%. As for white wines, Sémillon dominates with 60%, while Muscadelle and Sauvignon make up the remainder of the blend in equal parts.

The annual production of the Francs Côtes de Bordeaux appellation averages 26,000 hl, or 3,300,000 bottles for the Francs Côtes de Bordeaux red AOC, 144 hl, or 19,000 bottles, for the Francs Côtes de Bordeaux dry white AOC, and 50 hl, or 8,000 bottles, for the Francs Côtes de Bordeaux sweet AOC.