Domaine Plaisance Penavayre Plaisance "Le Pitchou" AOP Fronton 2019

Wine Type:
Style of Wine:	Earthy & Spicy
Country of Origin:	France
Wine Region:	SW France
Appellation:	Fronton
Grape Varietal:	Négrette and Syrah
Bottle Format:	750mL
Case Size:	12 bottles
$416.04 Per Case ($34.67/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.

"Le Pitchou" is a blend 70% Négrette and 30% Syrah. Yields are very low - ~30 Hl/Ha.

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. Each grape variety is vinified separately, and after the second racking the wines are put in barrels - 3rd and 4th passage to preserve the fruit. After about 18 months the blend is made and wine is bottled (unfined and unfiltered). Alc./vol.: 13.5%..

Tasting note: Deep ruby/purple colour. Complex aromas and flavours of ripe, red fruits (raspberry and wild strawberry), plum and cassis, with spicy/black pepper and vanilla notes. Medium-bodied, dry, good acidity, firm tannins, well balanced, with a long, finish.

Pairings: Enjoy with grilled/braised meats, Cassoulet, and earthy-style vegetable dishes.

Critical Praise