Cocagne country
This land of plenty still exists…….but the vine has replaced the woad!
Our vineyards are located in the southern part of the famous ‘Pays de Cocagne’. From the Middle Ages to the 17th century, woad, a powder blue dye made from the plant of the same name, was extensively cultivated and a roaring trade ensued, thus contributing to the prosperity of our region. In Occitan (langue d’Oc), “coucagno” means pastel.
Nowadays woad is no longer cultivated, but the spirit of the Pays de Cocagne lives on; it symbolises this land of plenty where everything converges to make life pleasant: a mild climate, gastronomic delights, heavenly wines and human warmth…
Between Tarn and Garonne
The Tarn river springs on Mount Lozère, and on its South-western bound journey through the Languedoc-Roussillon, gathers together all the different rivers of the Massif Central.
From Albi and from Gaillac, it veers off toward the Northwest and runs through the Haute Garonne region. From there it flows through Moissac and Montauban, influencing the climate and the subsoil in the Fronton region as it goes and finishes by joining the Garonne river. The Tarn and Garonne rivers have been forming our countryside, modifying the nature of our soils and sculpting the valley in the form of stairs (terraces) on either side of them since the Quaternary Period.
The third terrace…of the Quaternary
Our vines are planted on the third (and best!) geological terrace (Mindel). This terrace is sprinkled with alluvium drained by the Tarn from the Massif Central: this stony clay, mixed with gravel, forms the sparse soil on which our vines thrive…thanks to Pierre’s hard work!
A semi-contintental climate with Oceanic and Mediterranean influences
Three influences for one climate – a micro-climate?
A pseudo-continental climate (severe winters and hot summers) reigns in Fronton, but, at 200km from the Atlantic Ocean and 150 km from the Mediterranean Sea, we’re lucky enough to enjoy the influence of both…almost a micro-climate.
This makes for good conditions for grape maturation and quality wines, thanks to lots of sunshine and little rain. The hot, dry summers coupled with the famous “Vent d’Autan” (south wind) are our allies, helping grapes ripen and keeping the vineyard healthy.
Négrette - a true crusader
Negrette all the way from Cyprus
The Negrette grape: rebellious and generous, a little like us!
The Crusaders brought back from their travels a Cypriot grape called Mayro (meaning ‘black’), which became Négrette in Fronton; this unique grape variety is what makes Fronton wines inimitable.
Apart from a few parcels in the Charente-Maritime region (where it was known under another name in the past), the Négrette grape is exclusively grown in Fronton. This may be due to the fact that this grape, while capable of producing aromatic, structured wines, is also rather temperamental.
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot, Syrah and Gamay
Other noble grape varieties grow alongside the Négrette ; Cabernets for their tannic structure and blackcurrant aromas, Cot (Malbec) for its robustness, Syrah for its deep colour, its heady aromas and its spicy touch and Gamay, for its freshness and fruitiness.
Here again, just like the climates, the grape varieties merge. Be they of Oceanic or Mediterranean origin, local conditions not only encourage their growth but also allow these grapes to express an original note, being cultivated in an area bordering both climates.
The Syrah grape is no longer to be found solely in the North, the Cabernet and Malbec are absent from the East of France and the Gamay mainly to be found in the Rhone and Loire regions.
Here at Château Bouissel, we’ve learnt to recognise the qualities and limitations of our grape varieties and we make the most of each when blending.
