Côtes de Francs

Situation and soil about Cotes de Francs area  
Cotes de Francs area is situated at the far end of the right bank's vineyards, about 60 kilometers East of Bordeaux. The Côtes de Francs vineyards run along the Dordogne river among charming hilly landscapes. Recognized A.O.C Côtes de Francs in 1967, the appellation's soil is characterized by molasses and limestones. 

Characteristics about Cotes de Francs appellation 
Forty producers vinify wines which have close characteristics to their cousins of Saint Emilion a strong and opulent fresh fruit flavour in their youth, which tends to soften with time as the tannins equilibrate with the structure. The Cotes de Francs are pleasant to taste young on the fruit, they normally reach their peak after 5-10 years or so. Largely unknown amongst amateurs, the best wines of Cotes de Francs are of special interest from a price/quality point of view. 

Main properties of the appellation Cotes de Francs
The non exhaustive list of the appellation's best properties includes: Puygueraud, La Prade, Vieux-Chêne, Terrasson, Puyfromage, Lalande de Tifayne and Charmes Godard (red and white). 

Varietals and technical data about Cotes de Francs appellation
With a surface of 600 ha, the average production, in red and white, is of approx. 30000 hl. 

Average yield about Cotes de Francs appellation: 60 hl/ha. 

Type of vines about Cotes de Francs appellation: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon - Semillon (dry white wines).