Francs, Chateau de
Summary
Château de Francs is a Bordeaux estate in the lesser-known Francs-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, owned since 1985 by Hubert de Boüard (Château Angélus) and Dominique Hébrard (formerly of Cheval Blanc), producing Merlot-dominant wines from clay-limestone soils on elevated terrain. The property applies prestigious Right Bank expertise to an overlooked region, combining traditional methods with modern precision to create wines that deliver exceptional value and authentic Bordeaux character without the recognition of more famous appellations.
Heritage & Leadership
Château de Francs, situated in the Francs Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, underwent a significant transformation in 1985 when it was acquired by two prominent Bordeaux figures: Hubert de Boüard, co-owner of Château Angélus in Saint-Émilion, and Dominique Hébrard, formerly of Château Cheval Blanc. This partnership marked a turning point for the estate, bringing renewed focus and expertise to this property in the eastern reaches of Bordeaux. Under their direction, the château has been methodically renovated and its vineyards restructured to improve quality. The estate represents a collaborative venture between these two experienced wine professionals who have applied their technical knowledge from Right Bank estates to develop the potential of this lesser-known appellation.
## Vineyards & Wines
Château de Francs encompasses vineyards in the Francs Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, positioned on the eastern edge of the Bordeaux wine region. The estate's vineyards benefit from clay-limestone soils typical of the area, providing good drainage and mineral components that influence the character of the wines. The vineyard plantings reflect the Right Bank influence of the owners, with Merlot dominating the plantings, complemented by Cabernet Franc and smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate produces several wines, with their flagship "Les Cerisiers" representing their primary cuvée. The property's position on elevated terrain within the appellation contributes to favorable exposure and drainage conditions that affect ripening patterns and overall grape quality.
## Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Château de Francs combines traditional Bordeaux methods with modern precision. In the vineyard, careful attention is paid to canopy management and yield control to ensure optimal ripeness. Harvesting is conducted plot by plot, allowing for selective picking based on the maturity of different vineyard sections. In the winery, temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks preserves fruit character before the wines are transferred to oak barrels for aging. The maturation program typically involves French oak with varying proportions of new barrels depending on the wine and vintage. This methodical approach from vineyard to bottle reflects the owners' commitment to expressing the terroir of Francs while maintaining consistency in their winemaking standards.
Vineyards & Wines
Château de Francs encompasses vineyards in the Francs Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, positioned on the eastern edge of the Bordeaux wine region. The estate's vineyards benefit from clay-limestone soils typical of the area, providing good drainage and mineral components that influence the character of the wines. The vineyard plantings reflect the Right Bank influence of the owners, with Merlot dominating the plantings, complemented by Cabernet Franc and smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate produces several wines, with their flagship "Les Cerisiers" representing their primary cuvée. The property's position on elevated terrain within the appellation contributes to favorable exposure and drainage conditions that affect ripening patterns and overall grape quality.
## Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Château de Francs combines traditional Bordeaux methods with modern precision. In the vineyard, careful attention is paid to canopy management and yield control to ensure optimal ripeness. Harvesting is conducted plot by plot, allowing for selective picking based on the maturity of different vineyard sections. In the winery, temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks preserves fruit character before the wines are transferred to oak barrels for aging. The maturation program typically involves French oak with varying proportions of new barrels depending on the wine and vintage. This methodical approach from vineyard to bottle reflects the owners' commitment to expressing the terroir of Francs while maintaining consistency in their winemaking standards.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Château de Francs combines traditional Bordeaux methods with modern precision. In the vineyard, careful attention is paid to canopy management and yield control to ensure optimal ripeness. Harvesting is conducted plot by plot, allowing for selective picking based on the maturity of different vineyard sections. In the winery, temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks preserves fruit character before the wines are transferred to oak barrels for aging. The maturation program typically involves French oak with varying proportions of new barrels depending on the wine and vintage. This methodical approach from vineyard to bottle reflects the owners' commitment to expressing the terroir of Francs while maintaining consistency in their winemaking standards.