LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
Welcome to the Francs-Côtes de Bordeaux AOC, a charming French appellation of Bordeaux! Each year, this small wine appellation, located between the Isle and Dordogne rivers, produces 2.5 million litres of wine, most of it red. Despite its size, it stands as a distinctive part of Bordeaux's wine heritage.
Tucked away northeast of Libourne, within the Bordeaux wine region, this appellation spans the charming communes of Saint-Cibard, Tayac, and Francs. Here, Merlot leads the way, supported by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, creating wines that gained new recognition after joining the Côtes de Bordeaux family in 2009.
Named after the Franks who settled during the Middle Ages, the region's winemaking roots stretch back to Roman times. Today's Côtes de Bordeaux name carries this rich heritage into modern markets. Despite not being as recognized as other areas of Bordeaux, such as Saint Emilion, this area is gaining more visibility thanks to its unique wines.
Along the Côtes de Bordeaux, 10 km from Saint Emilion and 35 km from Bordeaux city center, the gentle hills of Francs-Côtes de Bordeaux form perfect vineyard sites. The area's location near Bergerac adds another layer to its Bordeaux identity.
Rising between 100 and 127 meters, the vineyards enjoy cold winters and warm summers, creating perfect growing conditions throughout the year.
A natural blend of clay-limestone and gravel provides excellent drainage and nourishment, helping vines thrive and produce quality grapes.
These natural elements work together perfectly for Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, as well as for white grapes like Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. These conditions allow producers to yield wines rich in flavour and perfectly balanced.
As weather patterns shift with climate change, winemakers adapt their methods, showing resilience and innovation in grape growing.
While smaller than its famous neighbours, strong marketing and the prestigious Côtes de Bordeaux name help these wines reach new audiences worldwide.
The region embraces change through growing organic certification and innovative winemaking techniques, proving that even small regions can lead the way in wine innovation.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
In eastern Bordeaux, gentle hills and carefully planted vineyards create a perfect wine-growing area. The soil here is special—it mixes clay and limestone to help the vines grow strong. The weather plays its part, too, bringing cold winters that allow the vines to rest and warm, sunny summers that help the grapes ripen just right. This combination of land and weather produces both red and white wine grapes, each picking up unique flavours from the earth.
The Bordeaux wine trails within this AOC offer a wide range of activities that you can enjoy while you learn more about the unique wines from this area:
The climate of Francs-Côtes de Bordeaux AOC is ideal for winemaking. Cold winters paired with warm, sunny summers foster healthy grape growth. The vineyards are situated at an elevation of 127 meters, benefiting from abundant sunlight and protection from severe storms.
The combination of climate and elevation promotes the growth of various grape varieties in these Bordeaux vineyards. Red varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc thrive in this region. Similarly, white grapes like Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle flourish here.
Visit between May and October for the best experience. Spring brings green vineyards and nice weather, while fall offers the excitement of harvest time.
Spring lets you see the vines wake up with new leaves and flowers. But September and October are special - that's when grapes are picked and made into wine. Many wineries welcome visitors during this busy time.
You can help pick grapes, talk with the people who make wine, and taste fresh wines right from the cellar. Whether you're taking pictures of pretty vineyards or trying new wines, harvest time makes your visit extra special.
The wines of this special Bordeaux region carry the mark of long winemaking traditions. In the red blends, Merlot teams up with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, while white wines bring together Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. Each bottle captures the perfect mix of fruit, strength, and brightness.
The soil and climate of this AOC shape the character of these wines. Growing on higher clay-limestone grounds, the grapes develop deep flavours that last for years. The reds show power through firm tannins, while the whites bring crisp freshness. Every grape variety adds its touch to make these wines stand out.
Saint-Cibard, Tayac, and Francs open their doors to wine lovers with stunning views. Old castles dot the landscape of vineyards, where family wineries and larger estates blend old wisdom with new methods. You can take private tours through these wineries to learn more about its rich history and unique wines.
Throughout the year, visitors can dive into the wine culture of this AOC. Vineyard walks and cellar visits show how wine comes to life, while harvest celebrations and wine fairs let you meet the people behind the bottles.
The right food brings these wines to life. Rich red wines match perfectly with wine-cooked chicken and beef stew, while Merlot-based blends shine alongside duck dishes. Both red and white wines create magic with aged cheese plates.
From cozy bed-and-breakfasts to elegant hotels and peaceful vineyard stays, this AOC offers something for everyone. Many spots offer special wine activities, allowing guests to wake up to vineyard views and explore at their own pace.
The Francs-Côtes de Bordeaux AOC tells a fascinating story through its grapes. In this small but special wine region, red grapes like Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon have found a home, as well as white grapes like Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.
The wines of this special Bordeaux region carry the mark of long winemaking traditions. In the red blends, Merlot teams up with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, while white wines bring together Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. Each bottle captures the perfect mix of fruit, strength, and brightness.
The soil and climate of this AOC shape the character of these wines. Growing on higher clay-limestone grounds, the grapes develop deep flavours that last for years. The reds show power through firm tannins, while the whites bring crisp freshness. Every grape variety adds its touch to make these wines stand out.
Saint-Cibard, Tayac, and Francs open their doors to wine lovers with stunning views. Old castles dot the landscape of vineyards, where family wineries and larger estates blend old wisdom with new methods. You can take private tours through these wineries to learn more about its rich history and unique wines.
Throughout the year, visitors can dive into the wine culture of this AOC. Vineyard walks and cellar visits show how wine comes to life, while harvest celebrations and wine fairs let you meet the people behind the bottles.
The right food brings these wines to life. Rich red wines match perfectly with wine-cooked chicken and beef stew, while Merlot-based blends shine alongside duck dishes. Both red and white wines create magic with aged cheese plates.
From cozy bed-and-breakfasts to elegant hotels and peaceful vineyard stays, this AOC offers something for everyone. Many spots offer special wine activities, allowing guests to wake up to vineyard views and explore at their own pace.
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