Marc Pénavaye’s Château Plaisance consists of 30 hectares of vines in the Fronton appellation, near Toulouse in southwest France. This is a varietal Negrette, which is such an interesting red grape variety, unique to the region and with records indicating it has been grown here since the sixth century. Marc started farming organically in 2006 and was fully certified in 2011.

Château Plaisance ‘Alabets’ 2010 Fronton, France
13% alcohol. Sweet and ripe with nice black cherries, some raspberries and a hint of meatiness. There’s some warm herb character here, too, lying under the supple, expressive black fruits. Complex and balanced, and just a bit edgy with a fresh almost lemony finish. A distinctive, delicious wine. 92/100 (UK agent Les Caves de Pyrene)

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