Gaillac

[mrdutton]

Gaillac is one of the most diverse appellations of South-West France, and one of the oldest vineyards: the Romans planted vines there in the 1st century AD. Gaillac gained an AOC for the white wines in 1938 and for the reds (roses included) in 1970. Red now accounts for around 60% of the production.

Gaillac includes an eclectic range of grape varieties, which is reflected in a corresponding number of different wine styles.

Semillion and Sauvignon Blanc are mixed with grapes rarely found anywhere else. Mauzac, the oldest variety, is used in the whole range of white wines, depending on when it is picked. Mauzac can be blended with Loin de l'Oeil (Len de l'El in the local dialect) which, if not overripe, adds finesse and style.

The most important red variety is Duras, followed by Fer Servadou (known locally as Braucol), Syrah, Negrette, and Gamay, which must between them account for a minimum of 60% of the blend. The balance may come from Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

White Gaillac can be dry, sweet (doux) or 'moelleux' (rich and soft, with an impression of sweetness); still, sparkling or very slighly sparkling (perle).

Gaillac moelleux comes from grapes that are late harvested. Gaillic doux must contain 70 grams per litre of residual sugar, while Gaillac moelleux depends upon the individual growers' taste.

Two styles of red Gaillac emerge as the most typical, both based on the loacl Duras grape. In the first, Duras is blended with Fer Servadou for structure and Syrah for color. The second red shows affinities with Bordeaux, blending Duras with Merlot and Cabernet. Red Gaillac benefits from moderate ageing, but is generally ready young.

In Gaillac, cooperatives dominate production. The leading cooperative is the Cave de Labastide de Levis. The cooperative at Tecou also works well for its appellation. A third co-op is Rabastens.

Individual producers includ Ch Clement-Termes, Domaine de Labarthe, Ch Larroze, Ch de Lastours, Domaine des Tres Cantous and Mas Pignou. Chateau de Lastours is among the leading Gaillac producers.

Source: Not the internet.

Larousse Encyclopedia of Wine.....

Gaillac is located about thirty miles north-east of Toulouse and is about 100 miles due north of the border with Spain.

Please check out this web-site: http://www.vins-gaillac.com/A_frm01.html

It is the official web-site for 'Commission Interprofessionnelle des Vins de Gaillac' and I found it very interesting.


[This message has been edited by mrdutton (edited 05-20-2000).]