A historic wine-producing area, Gaillac wine is today enjoying fresh momentum with an appellation barely 80 years old! Whether for white wines or red wines, Gaillac wine will brighten your evenings. There’s no doubt you’ll find something to your liking among the wines of the AOC. To help you, we’ve written this article.
The history of Gaillac wine
Gaillac wine comes from a history more than 2,000 years old that has shaped its production techniques and its landscapes. As early as the 10th century, the wines of Gaillac were present on the tables of great sovereigns. A period of frost put an end to the development of the vineyards, which were further weakened in a dark historical context. Phylloxera hit the region’s vineyards head-on. Indeed, the size of the vineyard was drastically reduced after this crisis. It fell from 60,000 hectares to around 45,000. Since then, the vineyard has seen great development and is today especially dynamic. We’re also seeing the arrival of new generations of winemakers taking over delicious estates. All of this, to the great delight of our taste buds. Finally, in a few figures, Gaillac wine is:
- 16.5 million bottles produced per year;
- 1,100 hectares in organic farming (16% of the vineyard);
- 30 hectares as the average size of the estates.
The grape varieties in Gaillac
Gaillac is lucky to benefit from thousand-year-old grape varieties with particular characteristics that make up all the richness of the AOC. So let’s set off to discover these grape varieties.
The white grape varieties
To start, white Gaillac wine is produced mainly from four grape varieties. Others are of course used, but the four presented below make up the majority of production:
- Loin de l’Oeil: a classic grape variety of the AOC, it allows the production of sweet wines with delicious aromas of honey and dried fruit.
- Mauzac: with aromas of ripe apple, quince and candied fruit, it’s a very particular grape variety used to produce Gaillac Mousseux.
- Ondenc: this is the grape variety mainly used for late harvests.
- Muscadelle: low in acidity, this grape variety brings out aromas of white flowers and exotic fruit.
The red grape varieties
Gaillac wine is produced from specific grape varieties listed in the AOC’s specifications. Among these grape varieties are:
- Braucol: it’s the most emblematic grape variety of the AOC. Its aromas are very quickly recognisable around blackcurrant and raspberry.
- Prunelart: we thought it had been lost with the phylloxera crisis. Yet it has been making a comeback and rejoined the specifications of the Gaillac wine AOC in 2008. This grape variety brings out black fruit.
- Duras: it’s often paired with Braucol or Syrah. It brings out spicy, peppery aromas.
- Syrah: you surely know this widely planted grape variety with its fruity, spicy notes.
- Gamay: this grape variety is known for its delicious fruity notes and its intense moreishness.
Of course, a few other grape varieties may be present, but the five we’ve highlighted represent this AOC well.
The Gaillac wine festival
Every year, at the start of August, the wines of Gaillac invite you to a big festival. It’s the ideal opportunity for wine lovers to set off and discover these wines. Beyond the wine tastings, local products are also showcased. You can also try historic wooden games or attend concerts. In short, if you’re passing through the region, this is a lovely chance to discover Gaillac wine. Finally, the Gaillac wine AOC organises events regularly. You can head to this page so you don’t miss a single one. That said, don’t wait for the festival to head to the Gaillac region and taste its wines. Indeed, the AOC is opening up more and more to wine tourism. So you no longer have any excuse not to set off and discover Gaillac wine.
La Fauvette Noire: our latest tasting of Gaillac wine
A little while ago, with the famous Easter leg of lamb, we chose to taste La Fauvette Noire 2017 from Château Les Vignals. In a few words: we had a treat and it’s a real favourite. I warmly recommend it. !Gaillac wine - La Fauvette Noire - 2017 This organic Gaillac wine is 100% Braucol, produced by Olivier Jean, and is a real gem. If you get the chance to come across it: you can go for it with your eyes closed. The food and wine pairing was perfect with the lamb. For dessert, a chocolate mousse would be especially interesting. As for the tasting, the wine has a lovely tannic structure that stays in fine balance. You quickly find aromas of blackcurrant and wild berries: it’s a delight. Note that it can easily be aged for a few more years in your wine cellar without any problem. To go further
Gaillac wine no longer holds any secrets for you. We’re delighted to have taught you the inside story of this often little-known appellation, in which you can find real gems. However, we can bring you much more. Good news, you can join the club for free and learn wine.
