Fronton is a very interesting little appellation in the heart of the subregion of the Sudouest in France, on the left bank of the Tarn river. It’s on the road from Toulouse (just 20 or so miles away) to Cahors, and this road was an important one in the Gallic/Roman era. All this means that vines have been in Fronton some 2000 years, and it’s home to a special variety that’s the focus of the area: Négrette. Marc Penavayre’s version here has a touch of Cabernet Franc and a tiny bit of Syrah added for the simple ‘Le Rouge,’ but his wine strikes one it’s pure, red-and-black, with a simplicity of frame. There’s great value here and an elegant sensibility in what most would dismiss as a “simple” southern country wine.