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 most easterly appellations in the department, and was recognized as an AOC by the INAO in 1967.

The Francs Côtes de Bordeaux vineyard covers 525 hectares spread over three communes: Francs, Saint Cibard, and Tayac. Its terroir consists of limestone covered with molasses known as "l'agenais" in the south and molasses known as "du fronsadais" in the rest of the appellation. 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°C) than in the surrounding terroirs.

The Francs Côtes de Bordeaux AOC has a varied range of grape varieties. For red wines, Merlot is the dominant variety, as in the rest of the Libourne region, accounting for between 50 and 60%. Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon follow, representing around 40 to 50%. As for white wines, Sémillon dominates with 60%, while Muscadelle and Sauvignon complete the blend in equal proportions.

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 AOC red, 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.