A symbolic terroir
The property, which takes its name from the Côte des Francs, has seven hectares of vines in three separate geographical zones: plateau, hillside, and base of hillside. Combining limestone, clay, sand and marl, it presents five soil types. This diversity in such a small, continuous area, is what makes Château Franc Mayne exceptional.
Franc Mayne possesses a concentration of the main characteristics of this part of the Saint Emilion appellation.
Facing north-west, the fairly cool vineyard benefits from an excellent orientation. The ongoing restructuring, which will double the area of Cabernet Franc, aims to reveal the terroir’s strengths and to adapt to the changing climate. Planted on the limestone plateau, to which it is particularly suited, Cabernet Franc complements the superb roundness of the Merlot, which is characteristic of the appellation and the predominant variety at Franc Mayne.
The terroirs and grape varieties combine to offer a broad aromatic palette. It is all of these nuances that come into play at the blending stage, and which give Château Franc Mayne’s wines their complexity