Domaine Plaisance Penavayre Plaisance "Le Rouge" AOP Fronton 2020

Wine Type:
Style of Wine:	Earthy & Spicy
Country of Origin:	France
Wine Region:	SW France
Appellation:	Fronton
Grape Varietal:	Négrette, Syrah, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon
Bottle Format:	750mL
Case Size:	12 bottles
$354.96 Per Case ($29.58/btl)

Tasting Notes

The Penavayre family has cultivated vines in Vacquiers for several generations. Initially agricultural activity was shared between vines, animals, and fruit trees, but in 1971, Louis Penavayre - a self-taught wine grower - converted the entire farm (~ 7Ha) to vines and making wine. Wine culture continued to develop for the family and so Marc - the son of Louis and the current owner - obtained his engineering degree from ENITA as well as an oenologist diploma in 1985. This was also the year of the first bottling of estate wine.

In 1991, as Marc took over from his father, the estate grew to 16 hectares. Avoiding modern winemaking techniques, Marc focused on gentle and natural cultivation. Marc’s goals are: to work with the vines as close as possible to the terroir; without fertilizers or herbicides; favouring natural products; harvesting very ripe, very healthy grapes; and, vinifications using indigenous yeasts. The wines are neither fined nor filtered.

2006 was the first vintage under organic conversion, with certification from Quality France in 2011. Marc also follows biodynamic principles but is not certified. Vineyards have grown to 30 hectares, and today the estate produces around 150,000 bottles. Marc now works with his son, Thibaut.

This wine is a blend of 60% Négrette, 20% Gamay, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Négrette is said to originate from the Middle East (Iraq), and may have been in the Tarn valley (Gaillac and Fronton) for more than two thousand years. In the 6th century, there were mentions a black grape variety called Mavro (means black in Greek) in the region, and in the 12th century it was referred to as “Negret". Today, more than 95% of plantings are in Fronton. It is also found in the Charentes, Vendée, and the Ile de Ré under the name of Ragoûtant or Petit noir, and in California, a few wineries cultivate this variety under the names of Pinot Saint Georges.

Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks. Only natural yeasts present on the skin of the grapes at the time of the harvest are used to respect the typicity of the terroir and the grape varieties. Each grape variety is vinified separately, and after 18 months, and two rackings, the blend is made and wine is bottled (unfined and unfiltered). Alc./vol.: 13.0%.

Our Tasting note: Deep ruby/purple colour. Aromas and flavours of raspberry, wild strawberry, and blackcurrant with floral/spicy/peppery notes. Medium-bodied, dry, good acidity, well balanced, with a long, clean finish.

Suggested Pairings: Easy to drink and enjoy with Charcuterie, grilled meat dishes (including game) roast chicken, cassoulet, and earthy vegetarian dishes.

Critical Praise