Fronton Wine Region Guide

Vines Planted By Romans

The AOC Fronton is the new name of the AOC Cotes du Frontonnais since 2005. The terroirs, their area, and the wines produced remain the same. The communal mentions “Fronton” or “Villaudric,” which allowed identifying the zone of production disappeared. They designated the two vineyards, which, together, were at the origin of the creation of the AOC Cotes du Frontonnais in 1975. Hills and valleys mark the area; its altitude ranges from 100m to 200m above sea level.

Fronton appellation is located in southwest France in the département of Haute-Garonne and Tarn-et-Garonne, approximately 35 km far from north of Toulouse. Fronton is an old wine production area and with the first vines which were planted by the Romans. The vineyards cover 23 square kilometers spread over 20 municipalities.

Foxy Aroma in Wines

Most of the wines in the Fronton area are red wines.  The red wines are about 85% of Fronton AOC wines production made primarily of the Fronton’s exclusive grape variety “Négrette”. The Négrette gives the wine fruity and delicate features, providing a robust red wine, dark and tannic, with violet and licorice aroma. Reds reach their fullness between 3–8 years. Other grape varieties include Syrah, Côt, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fer Servadou, Gamay, Cinsaut, and Mauzac.

Rosé wines (around 12% of production) are characterized by low acidity, and especially when négrette is present, these wines are drunk young.

A part of the important features of Fronton appellation for red wines are as follows:

• Soil: Rocky, sandy.
• Taste: Powerful.
• Wine color: Red.
• Aromas: Violet and licorice.
• Aging potential: 3 – 8 years.
• Serving temperature: 14 to 16° C

A part of the important features of Fronton appellation for rose wines are as follows:

• Soil: Rocky, sandy.
• Taste: Soft.
• Wine color: Rose.
• Aromas: Powerful nose and a deep robe.
• Aging potential: 1 – 6 years.
• Serving temperature: 9 to 11° C