Château Plaisance - Fronton Tot Çò Que Cal 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

When he took over his father's vineyards, Marc Penavayre wanted to develop the style of the local wines towards finer, more elegant products, a trend that could be seen in other villages in the South-West in the 1980s and 1990s. It began with greater attention to the vines, which have been certified organic since 2011. But it also involved rethinking the grape varieties, giving pride of place to the local Negrette and planting whites that are sure to surprise. Finally, it involved a more balanced use of oak barrels. The entire range is produced according to a guiding principle of promoting forgotten grape varieties and wines that are accessible from a young age, in a perfectly mastered style.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

An agricultural engineer and oenologist, Marc Penavayre breathed new life into the family estate, which he took over in 1991, restructuring and expanding it. His son Thibaut joined him in 2019. The vineyard now covers 26 hectares and completed its conversion to organic farming in 2012.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About wine:

Tot Co Que Cal possesses a charming sensuality based on ripe, sweet fruit; the flattering attack blends into tannins built for the future.

About the estate:

Marc Penavayre, the driving force behind the revival of Fronton for over twenty years, offers his own interpretation of the local grape variety, Négrette. Certified organic since 2011 and now joined by his son Thibaut, Marc takes the precision of his grape growing to new heights every year. The wines remain juicy and appealing, and the cuvées, with names that are sometimes unpronounceable without the help of an Occitan dictionary, now define the identity of Fronton. Constantly evolving and produced without additives, the range offers something for everyone, whatever their tasting preferences. This year, we are awarding the estate its first star.