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Fronton is a wine appellation in southwestern France, commonly referred to as “Toulousain wine” for its proximity to the pink city. It is produced around the town of Fronton, in the western Piedmont of the Massif Central and 30 km north of Toulouse. The region is rich in AOC, IGP and AOP wines. The Fronton appellation includes red and rosé wines, and has been recognized as an AOC-AOP since 1975.
Fronton, a wine of late renown
The Fronton vineyard, representing around 2,300 hectares, is located between the south of AOC Cahors, the west of the Massif Central Piedmont and the southeast of AOC Buzet. It covers 20 communes in the Haute-Garonne and Tarn-et-Garonne departments. The vineyard unfolds on three river terraces on the left bank of the Tarn. Its soils are first and foremost boulbènes, alluvial deposits (pebbles, gravel, sand and silt). coming from regions of the Massif Central, drained by the Tarn and its tributaries, which are distinguished by a concentration high in silica and the absence limestone. They are also composed of red mullet, clay-loam soils containing up to 30% clay (ideal for water retention and hydration of the vines), as well as gravels composed of of pebbles and gravel on the surface and clay at depth.
The area enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, l’sunshine is consequently completed by a flow low and irregular rainfall. Warm days, but are refreshed by the oceanic influence. Visit Autan wind, hot and dry, that can be felt in the regionis known to sanitize the vines. The altitude of the middle terrace varies between 130 and 160 meters, while that of the upper terrace peaks at 200 meters.
The Fronton vineyards benefit from an oceanic climate
The Fronton vineyard, representing around 2,300 hectares, is located between the south of AOC Cahors, the west of the Massif Central Piedmont and the southeast of AOC Buzet. It covers 20 communes in the Haute-Garonne and Tarn-et-Garonne departments. The Fronton vineyards stretch over three river terraces on the left bank of the Tarn. Its soils are first and foremost boulbènes, alluvial deposits (pebbles, gravel, sand and silt) from the Massif Central regions drained by the Tarn and its tributaries, characterized by a high silica content and the absence of limestone. They are also composed of “rougets”, clay-loam soils containing up to 30% clay (ideal for water retention and hydration of the vines), as well as “graves” made up of numerous pebbles and gravels on the surface and clay at depth.
The area has a temperate oceanic climate, with plenty of sunshine and low, irregular rainfall. Warm during the day, summer temperatures are cooled by the oceanic influence. As for the Autan wind, hot and dry, it is reputed to purify the vines. The altitude of the middle terrace varies between 130 and 160 meters, while that of the upper terrace peaks at 200 meters.
Fronton is a wine with spicy accents
Fronton is characterized by its original grape varieties: Négrette (a local variety found in Gaillac), Syrah, Cot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, Fer-Servadou and Gamay.
The red is distinguished by its intense ruby color with purplish highlights when young. Rosé can vary from light pink to deep, intense pink, depending on the proportion of Négrette and Syrah.
On the nose, the red stands out for its clean, intense primary aromas of ripe red and black fruits such as prune, cherry, blueberry, blackcurrant and redcurrant. The second nose reveals notes of spices and flowers, pepper and violets, followed by the tertiary notes of ageing, with cocoa beans and toast. Rosé is distinguished by its aromas of red fruits such as strawberry, as well as citrus and floral notes with hints of aniseed.
On the palate, red wines with a high proportion of Cabernet, Gamay or Syrah will have a fruity, aromatic flavor, while those with a higher proportion of Négrette will be more powerful, tannic and have a strong terroir aroma with hints of violets. The rosé is dense, fresh and aromatic, with a lovely roundness and liveliness.
Red wines have an ageing potential of 4 to 5 years, while rosés are best drunk young, within 3 years.
Fronton with a variety of meats
Fronton is a pleasant, flattering wine to drink young. The red goes well with a côte de begg, game, roast duck, Toulouse sausage, magrets and cassoulets. Rosé, on the other hand, is ideal as an aperitif or to accompany lightly spiced dishes, grilled meats and white meats. Red wines are best served at room temperature (16-17°C), while rosé wines are best served chilled (8-10°C).
The main vintages of the Fronton appellation
Fronton’s red wine was crowned vintage of the century in 2005, exceptional vintage in 2000, excellent vintage in 2009 and very great vintage in 1989, 1990, 1995, 1998 and 2011. Fronton rosé was crowned an exceptional vintage in 2000 and a very great vintage in 1982, 1989, 1990, 1995 and 1998.
Domaines de Fronton convert to organic farming
Château Flotis
The property was taken over in 2004 by three Fronton winemakers: Katia Garrouste, Myriam and Cathy Ribes, both partners in Domaine Le Roc, who undertook a vast renovation of the vineyard, restoring it to its former glory. Converted to organic farming in 2009, the vineyard produces wines with an ideal marriage of Négrette and Syrah.
Château La Colombière
Located on the historic terroirs of Villaudric, the estate was bought by François de Driésen in 1984. Today, it is run by his daughter Diane de Driésen and her husband Philippe Cauvin. The main grape varieties used are Négrette and Bouysselet Blanc, a variety derived from pre-phylloxera strains rediscovered by the winemakers in 2009. The vineyard obtained DEMETER biodynamic farming and winemaking certification, followed by BIODYVIN in 2012.
