Cotes de Francs is one of Bordeaux's smaller appellations. It is for red and white wines made in the area at its eastern edge of the Bordeaux region, between Saint-Emilion and Bergerac, and 8 miles (13km) north of the Dordogne river. The appellation is named after the village of Francs, at the centre of this area.
In March 2009, this changed again when the Bordeaux Cotes de Francs appellation was merged with the Premieres Cotes de Blaye and Cotes de Castillon appellations, and the red wines produced under the Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux appellation, to form the new 'Cotes de Bordeaux' appellation.
The topography and soils of the Cotes de Francs - high limestone clay slopes - are suited to growing Merlot which, in league with Cabernet Franc produces supple, well-structured wines. The appellation's wines are seen as having more character than wines made under the plain Bordeaux AC appellation. The land is slightly more elevated here than on the Medoc, or in appellations on edges of the Garonne and Dordogne, but is still only 180ft (60m) above sea-level.
Almost all wine made under the Bordeaux Cotes de Francs appellation is made from Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The sweet white wines (made from Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle) that were once widely produced are now much rarer.
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