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Bordeaux, Côtes de Francs
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-Surface: 459 ha.
-Only wines from the defined parcels in the communes Francs, Saint-Cibard and Tayac.
-Only red and white wines.
-Grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec.
-Grape varieties: Sémillon, Sauvignon blanc, Muscadelle.
-Max. 50 hl. per ha. in production.
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| The grape varieties |
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| The châteaux |
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| Calcareous clay and marl. |
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| The Côtes de Francs have a maritime climate, caused by the Atlantic. The warm Gulf Stream and the Gironde act as a heat-regulator and moderate the climate. This gives the region mild winters, warm summers, and long, sunny autumns. Much to the concern of the vignerons however, harvest time and the rainy season arrive about the same time. If the rains come early all grapes will not be fully ripened. If the rains come during harvest, the grapes can lose concentration. The record keepers have observed that in any ten-year span there will be, from a climate point of view, three great years, three poor years, and four that are mediocre. Sometimes the normally mild region is rudely reminded of its northern latitude. In February 1956 a hard frost occurred with temperatures below -18º C (0º F). There is also the lingering concern that the Saint de Glace may visit the budding vines in the first weeks of May. Like in 1991 |
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