History
Fronton wine has been produced in the Tarn-et-Garonne hills 25 km north of Toulouse since Roman times, and the Negrette grape (a Toulouse-specific variety) was popularised in the Middle Ages. The Fronton AOC was awarded in 1975. The wine pairs canonically with cassoulet, magret and the southwest plate. Chateau Boujac, Chateau Bellevue La Foret and Domaine Le Roc are the modern reference producers.
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Common allergens: Sulphites
Make it at home
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Fronton AOC red wine (Negrette blend)
- Decanter
- Burgundy-style glasses
Method
- Choose a 2-3 year old Fronton from a recommended producer (Chateau Boujac, Bellevue La Foret).
- Open the bottle 30 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to let it breathe.
- Serve at 16-18 degrees Celsius, the temperature of a wine cellar.
- Pair with cassoulet, magret de canard, charcuterie boards or Toulouse sausage.
- The Negrette grape gives notes of violet, pepper and dark cherry. Look for them.
Tip from the editors. Negrette is a thin-skinned grape; do not over-aerate. Serve cooler than Bordeaux. Avoid pairing with very spicy or sweet dishes.
Where to eat fronton wine
Fronton wine in Toulouse
N5 Wine Bar ★ 4.7
N5 Wine Bar on Rue de la Bourse is the brick-vaulted Toulouse wine bar named Best Wine Bar in the World in 2017, 2018 and 2019, with around 4,000 bottles.
PourLanguedoc by the glass
WineOver 500 wines by the glass
FoodSnacks and small plates
TipBookings essential for weekend evenings; the by-the-glass tour of France from the dedicated sommelier is the canonical first visit.
Le Tire-Bouchon ★ 4.3
Le Tire-Bouchon on Place Dupuy is the small family-run wine shop and bar of Philippe Lagarde, with a few tables among the boxes of organic and biodynamic.
PourNatural southwest by the bottle
WineNatural, organic and biodynamic wines
FoodLunch fixed menus
TipLunch is two courses at €16 and three courses at €21; buy a bottle from the shop rather than ordering by the glass.
More places near N5 Wine Bar and Le Tire-Bouchon
Not on this list, but close by, nearest first. Every one is in our guide with its address, hours and what to order.
- La Cave se Rebiffe Wine bar, about 200 m away
- Contre-Pied Wine bar, about 250 m away
- Shanghai Bar Nightlife, about 400 m away
- L'Agence Nightlife, about 500 m away
- Le Bistroquet Cocktail bar, about 650 m away
- Le Bar Basque Cocktail bar, about 650 m away
More cities are in research. Want fronton wine covered somewhere specific? Tell us where you want to eat.