2017 Chateau Plaisance Fronton Rouge

Region: Fronton < France Grapes: 68% Negrette, 24% Syrah, 8% Cabernet Franc Vineyard/Cellar stats: Organic + biodynamic since 2005 (certified 2011); 60-year old vines on gravelly, silty soils with alluvial topsoil; vinified and aged separately in stainless steel tanks before blending and aging for 18 months in concrete tanks; bottled unfined/unfiltered with minimal So2; 12.5% ABV Winemaker:  Marc Penavayre The Fronton AOP on the eastern border of southwestern France, is a pretty obscure wine region, lacking the  idyllic, perfectly manicured vineyard sites and awe-inspiring chateaux.  But it boasts some pretty legit historical cred -- vineyards were originally planted around the time of the first millennium, when the Crusades arrived in Southern France and the Knights of Sant Jean de Jerusalem settled down!    Château Plaisance is currently in the hands of Marc Penavayre, who expanded his father's property after returning home in 1991.  The vineyards, organic/biodynamic since 2005,