|
Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac
Introduction
Introduction
In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Fronsac, particularly wines from the south-facing Cote Canon, sold at a higher premium than St-Emilion. The region is located to the west of the town of Libourne and forms a triangle bounded to the east by the river Isle and to the south by the Dordogne. There are two appellations: Fronsac with 2,038 acres (825 ha) under production and, to the south, the tiny 741-acre (300-ha) enclave of Canon-Fronsac. Only the higher ground with a bedrock of limestone, clay and sandstone is delimited for these appellations. Merlot is the predominant grape variety, with cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and malbec playing a supporting role.
Naturally vigorous and firm, the wines can be a little rustic, although improvements in winemaking and vineyard management in the 1990s have added fruit and refined tannins. A recent increase in investment and commitment on the part of producers also make this a region to watch. There is little difference between Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac, any contrasts being the result of good and bad winemaking.
Fronsac producers of note include Barrabaque, Canon, Canon de Brem, Canon-Moueix, Cassagne Haut-Canon, Dalem, La Fleur Cailleau, Fontenil, Grand Renouil, Haut Carles, Mayne-Vieil, Moulin Haut Laroque, Moulin Pey Labrie, La Riviere, Tour du Moulin, Les Trois Croix, La Vieille Cure, Villars and Vrai Canon Bouche.
From "Encyclopedia of Wine"
©Global Book Publishing Pty Limited 2000
|
