Fronsac

Fronsac is a red wine with an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) designation that is part of the Bordeaux wine region. The Fronsac AOC spans the municipalities of Fronsac, Saint-Aignan, La Rivière, Saint-Germain-de-la-Rivière, Saillans, and Galgon.

Fronsac is an ancient wine-growing region characterized by valleys. The vineyard currently covers an area of 830 hectares, with an annual production of over 44,000 hectoliters. Located at the confluence of two rivers, the Dordogne and the Isle, water is omnipresent here. This abundance of water helps create a microclimate that reduces the risk of nighttime frosts in the spring, while moderating the heat during the summer. The Fronsac vineyards are situated on the slopes of sunny hills. The soils are relatively diverse: alluvial at the base of the slopes and clay-limestone as one ascends the hills. In some areas, asterian limestone outcrops are visible. The subsoil consists of “Fronsadais molasse,” a mixture of clay and sandstone. These well-drained soils allow the Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes that make up this wine to fully flourish and ripen well.

With a beautiful ruby color, Fronsac wines possess intense and distinguished noses that exude aromas of red fruits and pepper, even a hint of a spice rack. On the palate, they captivate with their body and lovely texture. Well-structured, with firm but never aggressive tannins, they have excellent aging potential. Blended from Merlot and Cabernet Franc, these are elegant, full-bodied wines with complex personalities. Particularly noteworthy are the Fronsacs from Château de Carles, Château de la Rivière, Château Moulin Haut-Laroque, and Château de la Dauphine.