I've just tried a Fronton wine with negrette grape and I was swept off my feet. I hope it's not a one-off; any recommendations or thoughts about that particular grape? Where else can I find it? Thank you very much!
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
Fronton is one of the many appellations of Southwest France, most of which have a very low profile outside of France to say the least. Cahors and Madiran are perhaps the best-known denominations of this region, together with Côtes de Gascogne, an IGP (geographical indication). Some of the mysterious wines enjoying appellation status are Brulhois, Gaillac, Marcillac, and Tursan. Typically, wines in this part of France tend to be blends, often of a local variety with grapes associated with Bordeaux or perhaps the Rhône. That is the case with Fronton, which relies as you have written on Négrette, which must constitute a minimum of half the blend and is often more, combined with Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc as well as Syrah. The use of multiple varieties at the discretion of the maker together with differing origins and cellar practices result in numerous styles, making Fronton - and many of its peers in Southwest France - difficult to pin down. Some may be soft with attractive floral fruit qualities that are intended to be consumed young while others may be more concentrated and less suited to early drinking. There are a few Fronton estates on the U.S. market. If you like the general profile, it would be interesting to sample different producers and cuvees to see the stylistic differences. By the way, I also encourage you to search for other wines from Southwest France, which are often modestly priced and of very good quality. There are also standouts from Cahors and Jurançon (white), among others, which are well worth their higher price tags.
