Fronsac

Fronsac, also on the Right Bank, produces heftier, weightier wines than Pomerol and Saint-Emilion. Lying just west of Saint-Emilion, it is not dissimilar in aspect, but the soils have more limestone, and are more resistant to heat. The merlot is the predominant grape here, often blended with Cabernet Franc – the soils are not very suitable for the Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen. It is one of the few areas, where Malbec is also regularly used in the blend.

Historically the wines were burlier and less complex, but recent years have seen strong investment in the area, and Fronsac, and the premium Canon – Fronsac now offer superb quality wines, at more affordable prices than Saint-Emilion and Pomerol.