AOC Gaillac wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

A.O.C./A.O.P.

the Gaillac wine region is situated 50 kilometres from Toulouse in the Tarn department. It stretches northwards along both banks of the river Tarn to the mediaeval walled town of Cordes. Gaillac can be divided into four clear-cut ‘terroirs’: the terraces along the left banks of the Tarn with their poor gravel soils, the valley floor and its sand and deep gravel, the clay and calcareous clay along the hillocks and the predominantly limestone plateau. Wet springs and long, dry late autumns are the defining climatic characteristics. The sparkling wines are made either by the handcrafted method using natural grape sugars or by the traditional method. Either way, secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle. Harnessing the gas produced during alcoholic or malolactic fermentation gives dry whites a slight sparkle.

Grape varieties: Vins rouges, rosés : duras, fer servadou, gamay, syrah,, cabernet-sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot. Vins blancs secs : mauzac, len de l'el, sauvignon, ondenc, muscadelle, sémillon

The wines of this appellation

Gaillac wines cover a broad range of styles, from reds to dry whites, sweet whites or sparkling. Red wines are the region’s mainstay, with an 80% share, and they are well-balanced, fragrant quaffing wines when they hail from the plateau. The hillside sites produce more robust wines with mellowed tannins and a harmonious finish. Wines grown along the gravel soils of the left bank are powerful with dense body and well-integrated tannins. Aromas of blackcurrant, green pepper and spices (pepper) are present. Try with beef and vegetable stew, duck casserole or rabbit stew. The dry whites are slightly sparkling, fruity, floral wines with abundant freshness and suppleness. They are perfect with freshwater fish. The Mauzac varietal sweet white wines are rich and mild (musk, apple pips). They pair well with foie gras, roquefort cheese or gateaux. The sparkling wines display characteristic notes of apple, citrus fruit, ripe fruit and honey. Drink as an appetiser.