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 evolve the style of the region’s wines toward more refined, more elegant products—a trend that was also evident in other villages in the Southwest during the 1980s and 1990s. It began with greater care in the vineyard, which has been certified organic since 2011. It also involved rethinking the grape varieties, giving pride of place to the local Nérette and planting white varieties that are sure to surprise. Finally, it entailed a more balanced use of oak barrels. The entire range is guided by a commitment to promoting forgotten grape varieties and producing wines that are enjoyable even when young, all in a perfectly crafted 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 transition to organic farming in 2012.

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

About the wine:

Tot Co Que Cal possesses a charming sensuality grounded in ripe, sweet fruit; the flattering opening gives way to tannins built to age.

About the estate:

A driving force behind the revival of the Fronton region for over twenty years, Marc Penavayre offers a unique perspective on and interpretation of the local grape variety, the Négrette. Certified organic since 2011 and now joined by his son Thibaut, Marc takes the quality of his grapes to new heights each year. The wines remain juicy and approachable; the cuvées—whose names are sometimes unpronounceable without the help of an Occitan dictionary—now define Fronton’s identity. Constantly evolving and produced without any additives, the range offers something for everyone, regardless of their tasting preferences. This year, we are awarding the estate its first star.