Fronton (previously known as the Cotes du Frontonnais) is an intriguing and little known appellation in South West France (between Montauban and Toulouse, based on the small town of Fronton (31 Haut-Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees). Its main claim to fame is its unique use of the local NEGRETTE grape which tends to give its wines a rich raspberry/strawberry character.
(NEGRETTE - The distinctive local variety of Gaillac and Fronton) producing wines with a wonderful perfumed aroma and delicate strawberry flavour; at its best when young.)
We first discovered the appellation through its rosé wines, which are superb - the most famous example probably being those of Chateau Bellevue-la-Foret..
However there are some increasingly good red wines (no white under the Appellation) - improving because the average age of the vines is increasing, which tends to give more depth of character and flavour. This is an interesting phenomenon which we've also seen in the Cotes Roannaises. Newly developing vineyards established in the 70s tended to produce pleasant, but light wines. 30 or so years later they can produce surprisingly good blockbusters.
At Allez Vins! we featured the excellent wines of Chateau Boissel. Our local wine specialist (Dorjes Wine Club) is now stocking the wines of Chateau Plaisance including his "tip top" rosé at £5.99 a bottle!
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