Ep 593: Fronsac and Canon Fronsac - The Past & Future Greats of Bordeaux

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Jan 28, 2026

A tour of two underrated Right Bank appellations with limestone-rich terroir and surprising affordability. A look at their medieval glory, 19th-century collapse, and why they have untapped potential today. Explanations of soils, microclimates, grape blends, and why these wines age well and resist heat. Recommendations for notable producers and pairing ideas.

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INSIGHT

Underrated High-Value Bordeaux

Fronsac and Canon Fronsac produce high-quality Bordeaux at great value, often under $30.
Their near-forgotten status means savvy drinkers can find wines that taste far pricier than they cost.

ANECDOTE

A Region With Royal Pedigree

Fronsac's history stretches back to Roman viticulture and medieval importance tied to Charlemagne.
It was once more coveted than Saint-Émilion and Pomerol and even served at Versailles.

ANECDOTE

Phylloxera Changed Its Trajectory

Phylloxera devastated Fronsac's best limestone vineyards in the late 1800s, leaving mostly sand plantings.
Those sand survivors produced weaker wines and the appellation never fully regained its former renown.

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In the show I discuss these two outstanding appellations that once were Greats in Bordeaux and should be once again -- these are wines we should all be drinking more often, especially at the price we pay (you can get a great bottle for US$30).

Located at 44.5°N, northwest of the city of Libourne, Fronsac and Canon Fronsac sit on Bordeaux's Right Bank, overlooking the Dordogne River. These two red-wine-only appellations share some of the best limestone terroir in Bordeaux. And despite the beauty and high quality of the vineyards that cover rolling hills and plateaus, AOC Fronsac and the much smaller AOC Canon Fronsac to the south, are praised by critics but virtually unknown by wine lovers these days.

This is even more surprising when we consider that historically, Fronsac was every bit, if not more respected than its way more famous neighbors, Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. But after losing most of the top vineyards to the phylloxera epidemic/French wine blight in the late 1800s neither appellation regained the status they once had. That means today they have enormous untapped potential: savory and high-quality wines that aren't sold at prices they merit, and a lack of investment to help the region shine, despite it having all the ingredients to do so.

Despite the prime location and the ideal terroir and historic legacy, the wines remain one of Bordeaux's best secrets: fruity, complex, and full of bright acidity that, thanks to the cooler limestone soils and long growing season. With climate change, these wines are poised to be successful – they hold up beautifully even in hot years – but will we give them the chance?

Here links to the Expression de Fronsac list of producers and Château George 7, my friend Sally Evan's winery that you should visit!

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