Charlemagne built a fortress in the Fronsac region, overlooking the confluence of the Dordogne and the Isle, to survey the river traffic and the road leading to Bordeaux. Culminating at an altitude of 75 metres, it offers a magnificent view of Fronsac's rugged landscape. The wine production area is now slightly removed from the main thoroughfares, but has some beautiful churches and châteaux. The wines of Fronsac are often best characterized by their tannic expression. The château Fontenil belongs to Dany and Michel Rolland since 1985. Located on the excellent terroir of Saillans, the wines are produced using modern techniques such as micro-oxygenation.

Dense and powerful, the tannins are always elegant, and usually well-coated and very ripe. Refined and distinguished, these are rich, full-bodied wines.