Wine

De Gaillac wijn

The Gaillac wine region is situated west of Albi, capital of the Tarn district. The vineyards already exist for more than 2000 years, making this region one of the eldest wine districts of France. In the second Century, Montans, Gaillac's neighbouring town, was a renouned centre for potery. Traces of amphoras were found from southern Spain to northern Scotland, witnessing that Gaillac wines were already exported overseas after having sailed down the rivers Tarn and Garonne. The city of Gaillac was founded in 972, but wine was already produced by the Romans since the 1st century BC, Benedictine monks at the 10th century nurtured the process, making the Gaillac wine enjoy considerable success. Gaillac wines were exported throughout Europe from the 17th century under its name “les Vins du Coq”. The terrible plague of the phyloxera at the end of the 19th century, that ruined most of the vineyards in France, did not stop the Gaillac wine.
 
 

De wijnhandel door de jaren heen

The rich soils and temperate micro climate of Gaillac produces whites and reds of quality and finesse. The sweet or doux wines are famous. The valleys of the Vere and the Tarn Rivers have three specific and different types of geological profiles. The temperate influence of the ocean limits the risks of severe frosts and allows the vines to take advantage of all the moisture for the vine. The warm Mediterranean climate in summer accentuated by the Autan wind assures ideal growing conditions for the vines. The vintage usually takes place in fine weather conditions in September. There are three distinct terroirs, the left or south bank, the right or north bank and the plateau Cordais.
 

Wijngebieden van Gaillac

Today the appellation area covers 4.000 acres spread over 73 communes, for an AOC production of over 165.000 hectoliters.
The appellation includes about one hundred independent producers and 3 cooperative cellars.
The 3 different terroirs and the age of the vineyard enable Gaillac to offer numerous traditional grape varieties. The diversity of the Gaillac vineyards insures production of a great variety of elaborate wines, a wide range of dry, sweet and “perlé” white wines, red and rose wines as well as sparkling wines.

 
 
Wijn proeven A specific collection of grape varieties
From time immemorial, Gaillac producers have always carefully selected the vines best suited to the plot and its orientation. Gaillac winegrowers have adapted their choice of grapes to the terroirs, to consumer trend and to tradition: they are typical, specific and high in character.

Gaillac white varieties:
MAUZAC, this is a traditional Gaillac grape, with many different aspects. It is excellent for the making of various white wines, dry, sweet and sparkling. Its main characteristic lies in its aromas of apple and pear. It produces soft wines with low acidity, and some pure Mauzac are real jewels. This variety exists only in Gaillac and Limoux, and is particularly suited to the making of sparkling wines.
LEN DE L'EL: its name means "Loin de l'oeil", because its main stem is very long and the grape is therefore "far from the eye", i.e. the bud from which it was born. This ancient variety is exclusive in Gaillac. It produces a wine with a very subtle, floral or citrus fruit aroma, enhancing the wine's freshness and suppleness.
SAUVIGNON and MUSCADELLE complete the traditional white Gaillac vine population.

Gaillac red varieties:
DURAS, this is one of the oldest grape varieties, restored to favor in the last twenty years. It brings color, suppleness and finesse, and its main characteristics are its peppery and spicy aromas.
BRAUCOL, also called Fer Servadou, this grape produces a wine high in color, full bodied and rustic. Its very characteristic aromas evoke black currant, raspberry, crumpled leaves and red pepper.
SYRAH, of Mediterranean origins, this grape is best suited to well orientated plots. Used with moderation, it brings Gaillac robustness and aromatic complexity. GAMAY, this is the only variety entitled to produce Gaillac Primeur. It has adapted very well to the Gaillac terroir and, for many years, has enabled Gaillac Primeur to obtain national recognition (4 times the winner of the "Concours National des vins primeurs" and always in the top three). Served with our meals you can enjoy the taste of the local wines, the Gaillac wine undoubtedly enchant your palate.