LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
Welcome to Canon-Fronsac AOC, a special French wine region within Fronsac. Each year, they produce 1.1 million litres of excellent red wine, mostly from Merlot grapes. While not as famous as other Bordeaux regions, the wines here are truly special.
The Canon-Fronsac appellation of France covers 300 hectares of vineyards in Fronsac and Saint-Michel-de-Fronsac. The wines here are rich and deep red with purple hints. When you smell them, you'll notice red fruits and spices. While Merlot is the main grape, they also use some Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon to make their wines even better.
People have been making wine here since Roman times. By the 1700s, French nobles loved these wines. Things got tough in the 1800s, but when Canon-Fronsac became an official AOC in 1939, everything changed for the better. Now, it's back to being one of Bordeaux's respected wine areas.
You'll find Canon-Fronsac on the Right Bank area of the Bordeaux wine region, next to the Dordogne River and 35 km away from Bordeaux city center. If in Bordeaux, a must-visit attraction is Cité du Vin. It's also close to famous areas like Saint Emilion and Pomerol. The weather here is mild, and the rolling hills help water drain well. The Isle and Dordogne rivers nearby help protect the vines from frost.
The vineyards are located 50 to 90 meters above sea level. This altitude prevents frost and promotes optimal grape ripening. They also receive approximately 800 mm of rainfall annually, which is ideal for maintaining healthy vines.
Like its famous neighbours, the soil here mixes limestone and clay-limestone. This mix helps water drain well while retaining enough nutrients for the vines to grow strong.
Merlot grows best here and covers 75% of the vineyards. The cool weather keeps the grapes fresh and acidic, making wines that taste good now and get even better with age.
Like everywhere else, changing weather affects wine-making here. Unexpected temperature changes and strange weather patterns mean winemakers need to adapt how they grow their grapes.
It's not easy to compete with more famous Bordeaux wines, but Canon-Fronsac has room to grow. With better marketing and new wine-making methods, more people can discover these great wines.
Good things are happening here. More winemakers are choosing natural farming methods that help the environment. They are also using new technology to make wine better and more consistently. This means every bottle showcases the best of what Canon-Fronsac can do.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
In Canon-Fronsac, which is close to Bordeaux's city centre, two rivers meet in a landscape of rolling hills blanketed with vineyards. From its spot on Bordeaux's Right Bank, the region showcases the famous "Côte de Canon" slopes that shape its unique character. Rich clay-limestone and sandstone soils create perfect growing conditions for wine grapes, while natural features make it a stunning destination for visitors.
Canon-Fronsac enjoys ideal grape-growing weather, nestled between two rivers that maintain a balanced climate. Winters are mild, summers are pleasantly warm, and the region receives around 800 mm of rainfall annually—precisely what the vines require. The proximity of the rivers protects the grapes from spring frosts, while the combination of limestone and clay soils at an elevation of 50-90 meters fosters healthy growth. Such favourable conditions allow Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon to flourish, resulting in delicious wines that age beautifully.
The ideal time to visit is during the harvest season, which runs from late September to mid-October. During this period, the region comes to life as workers gather grapes and produce wine. Visitors can participate in wine tastings and special events at nearby wineries. The weather tends to be perfect, too—not too hot and frequently sunny, making it excellent for strolling through the vineyards.
Spring also offers a fantastic opportunity to visit: from April to June. The vines begin to grow again, blanketing the hills with vibrant green leaves. Numerous wineries provide tours during this season, allowing guests to learn about the beginning of the growing season and taste young wines to appreciate their development.
Canon-Fronsac crafts exceptional red wines by combining Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, occasionally featuring a hint of Malbec. In your glass, you'll notice a deep red colour with hues of purple. Take a moment to inhale the aromas—you'll detect red fruits, spices, and subtle earthy notes. The blend of these grapes results in wines that are rich yet smooth, culminating in an exquisite finish.
These wines truly excel due to their robust body and excellent aging potential. The vineyards' limestone-rich soil and diverse elevations lend each wine distinctive depth and mineral notes. Allow them to age for 4-12 years, and they unfold intriguing new flavours such as truffle and leather. This is the ideal time to enjoy them, as they achieve perfect harmony between bold tannins and fruity notes.
Throughout Fronsac and Saint-Michel-de-Fronsac, you'll discover stunning vineyards stretching across rolling hills. Don't miss visiting places like Château de La Dauphine and Château Castagnac, where you can dive into local wine traditions.
Canon-Fronsac offers some of the best wine tastings in Bordeaux. Here, wineries welcome visitors with tours that mix tastings and learning about winemaking. During harvest time, festivals and workshops pop up everywhere, allowing you to meet winemakers and gain hands-on experience.
These wines pair wonderfully with French dishes. Enjoy them alongside tender steak, seasoned lamb, or robust mushroom meals. Cheese lovers can savour them with aged Camembert or Saint Nectaire for an ideal match.
Choose between cozy B&Bs or grand wine estates for your stay. Some of the best wineries in the region offer rooms right among their vines. Imagine starting your day with vineyard views and private tours just steps away. It's the perfect way to fully experience this AOC.
Canon-Fronsac has three main grapes that make its wines shine: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each one adds its own special touch:
Canon-Fronsac crafts exceptional red wines by combining Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, occasionally featuring a hint of Malbec. In your glass, you'll notice a deep red colour with hues of purple. Take a moment to inhale the aromas—you'll detect red fruits, spices, and subtle earthy notes. The blend of these grapes results in wines that are rich yet smooth, culminating in an exquisite finish.
These wines truly excel due to their robust body and excellent aging potential. The vineyards' limestone-rich soil and diverse elevations lend each wine distinctive depth and mineral notes. Allow them to age for 4-12 years, and they unfold intriguing new flavours such as truffle and leather. This is the ideal time to enjoy them, as they achieve perfect harmony between bold tannins and fruity notes.
Throughout Fronsac and Saint-Michel-de-Fronsac, you'll discover stunning vineyards stretching across rolling hills. Don't miss visiting places like Château de La Dauphine and Château Castagnac, where you can dive into local wine traditions.
Canon-Fronsac offers some of the best wine tastings in Bordeaux. Here, wineries welcome visitors with tours that mix tastings and learning about winemaking. During harvest time, festivals and workshops pop up everywhere, allowing you to meet winemakers and gain hands-on experience.
These wines pair wonderfully with French dishes. Enjoy them alongside tender steak, seasoned lamb, or robust mushroom meals. Cheese lovers can savour them with aged Camembert or Saint Nectaire for an ideal match.
Choose between cozy B&Bs or grand wine estates for your stay. Some of the best wineries in the region offer rooms right among their vines. Imagine starting your day with vineyard views and private tours just steps away. It's the perfect way to fully experience this AOC.
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