2021 Plaisance Penavayre "Le Rouge"

Plaisance Penavayre is a family run affair for over four generations, currently helmed by Marc Penavayre and his son Thibaut. Organic since 2011, the Penavayre family employs biodynamic practices in the vineyard and focuses on the local grape varieties of Fronton. This blend is largely composed negrette, the star of the region, with the balance being syrah and cabernet franc. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and aged in concrete tanks, bottled unfiltered, and unfined. "Le Rouge" bursts from the glass with loads of black pepper, violets, berries, and even some earthiness. Loads of pure brambly fruit here. There's some weight here but a slight chill would not be out of the question. Perfect for meat on the grill or some flavorful curried lentils, this is a wine that doesn't bite back all that hard so be careful not to gulp it down too quickly!