An ancestral vineyard
The discovery of vestiges of wine pottery dating from the 2nd century BC, on the left bank of the Tarn, confirms the distant origins of wine consumption in the region. At the time, it was probably wine from Asia, Greece or Italy. It was the Romans who imported the cultivation of vines into the Gaillacois following the conquest of Gaul (2nd century BC), making it the oldest vineyard in the South West. After the collapse of the Roman Empire in the5th century, the territory was largely destroyed and plundered, including the vineyards.
Almost abandoned, the vineyard was reborn thanks to the action of the Benedictine monks in the 10th century. At that time, the transfer of land and towns between the nobility and the clergy led to the construction of Saint-Michel Abbey. Completed in 972, it became the place where the monks settled and the central point of the Gaillac vineyard. Under their influence, the vineyard underwent a great deal of structuring: the smoking of vines and the use of blended wines were prohibited, pruning was regulated, and a harvest ban was introduced. These measures gave the wines of Gaillac a brand image, and the vineyard became an economic force for the region. From the 16th century, large merchant families emerged. They settled in the town and built private mansions with their own wine-making sites. The towns of Gaillac, Lisle-sur-Tarn and Rabastens - the three "port towns" of the vineyards - were particularly marked by the development of this economy.
Unfortunately, the 18th and 19th centuries were punctuated by crises that put a stop to this dynamism. In addition to a succession of harsh winters, this period was also the time of phylloxera, an insect responsible for the destruction of almost all the Gaillac vineyards between 1879 and 1884. It was not until thirty years later and a technique of grafting on resistant strains that the vineyard awoke. This renaissance was used to modernise the wine economy and to pool the means of production and marketing. To this end, in 1903, the Abbey of Saint Michel de Gaillac became the Gaillac cooperative cellar, also called the Grand Vin du Coq cooperative cellar. It is one of the first in France!
This pooling of efforts at the beginning of the 20th century gave Gaillac wines a qualitative image that the INAO (National Institute of Origin and Quality), created in 1935, was quick to recognise: the white wines of Gaillac obtained the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée in 1938 and the red and rosé wines in 1970.The grape varieties
Chosen according to the terroir, the climate and tradition, the grape varieties of the Gaillacois vineyard are characteristic of its evolution. In concrete terms, the territory is occupied by typical grape varieties and more well-known varieties such as Muscadelle, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. White grape varieties represent 45% of the planted area and reds 55%.
Two white grape varieties are particular to the Gaillac vineyard: Mauzac and Loin de l'oeil. The first is the traditional variety that dominates the appellation. Its aromas are reminiscent of apples and pears, and it produces soft wines with balanced acidity. The second, Loin de l'œil, whose name comes from the very long stalk of the bunch, which keeps the grape away from the bud (or "eye", in viticultural terms), is a very old variety, planted exclusively in Gaillac. It gives the wine fine, floral aromas, suppleness and freshness, and is particularly well suited to Mauzac.
As for the reds, two grape varieties specific to the terroir stand out: Duras and Braucol. The first variety is one of the oldest grape varieties of Gaillac. Rehabilitated 20 years ago, it brings colour (deep garnet), structure and finesse to the wine. Its aromas are reminiscent of pepper and spices. The second, nicknamed "fer servadou", is also typical of Gaillac. This variety gives a colourful, fleshy and typical wine with aromas similar to blackcurrant, raspberry and pepper.
The terroirs
The Gaillac winegrowing area stretches along both banks of the Tarn, from Albi to Saint Sulpice and from Cordes-sur-Ciel to Graulhet. It benefits from optimal conditions: Mediterranean sunshine, Atlantic humidity, Autan wind... These assets have allowed the development of the vine and the birth of an amazing aromatic palette.
The Gaillac vineyard is characterized by a great diversity of terroirs. There are 3 important ones :
Terrasses de la Rive Gauche : it is located along the banks of the Tarn, which has shaped for thousands of years this relief of terraces with soil composed of pebbles, gravel, sand and boulbènes. This is the preferred terroir for red grape varieties. However, the Loin de l'œil grape variety also produces very fine dry white wines and, for some years now, sweet white wines.
Coteaux de la Rive Droite : it dominates the whole Tarn valley. It is limited by the Vère river to the north and extends over the central part of the vineyard, so it benefits from mainly clay-limestone soils and a full southern exposure.
Plateau Cordais : it occupies the northern part of the vineyard and dominates the deep valley of the Vère. The plateau is characterised by white calcareous and stony soils, and a predominance of white wine production.
Three other smaller terroirs are present in the area: the Noyau de Cunac, a terroir of choice for the production of Gaillac Primeur, and the Cabanès and Lavaur areas, which specialise in the production of white, rosé and red wines under the IGP Côtes du Tarn.The AOCs
Nowadays, Gaillac wines are classified among the great wines of France. The appellation d'origine contrôlée, defined in 1938 for the whites and in 1970 for the reds and rosés, now represents nearly 4,000 hectares.
It is today a wide range of generous and characteristic wines that make the revival of the vineyard. The return to the original grape varieties and ancestral methods is becoming more and more widespread, especially for sweet or sparkling whites. As for the reds, they are among the most awarded in France!
The main AOCs:
AOC Gaillac Rouge: The Gaillac rouge is a masterpiece of the vineyard. With a deep colour, a powerful nose, it has a subtle balance with specific dominants of red fruits and spices. The top-of-the-range, structured and concentrated vintages are perfectly suited to ageing and always seduce with the expression of their typicity.
AOC Gaillac Rosé : It is a nervous wine with fruity aromas and a bright colour.
AOC Gaillac Blanc Sec : Born from a happy marriage of local grape varieties, it shows its full advantage, both in colour and taste, when drunk well chilled.
AOC Gaillac Fraicheur Perlée : Its specificity, a particular vinification which allows it to keep a very light pearl reinforcing the sensation of vivacity and freshness, while exacerbating the natural aromas of Mauzac or Loin de l'œil.
AOC Gaillac Doux: This is where the full potential of the Mauzac, Muscadelle and Loin de l'œil wines is expressed. Great sweet Gaillac wines have made the appellation famous and there are real treasures to be tasted.
AOC Gaillac Effervescent: Produced using the Gaillac method or the traditional method, Gaillac effervescent is much appreciated for the elegance of its aromas and the vivacity of its fine bubbles.
AOC Gaillac Primeur White and Red : Fruity, easy to drink, with characteristic aromas, Gaillac Primeur is the first AOC of the year, it can only be drunk from the 3rd Thursday in November.
Wine events
The Gaillac vineyard is emblematic of the department. It has shaped part of the history of the Tarn and strengthened its economy over the centuries. A heritage of many traditions, it is celebrated in the vineyards and in two major events each year.
The first event is the Fête des Vins, in August. Held in the magnificent Parc de Foucaud, it highlights the diversity of Gaillac wines by inviting the curious to exciting tastings. Throughout the day, they are invited to discuss with the winegrowers and to discover their universe. The event is very convivial and brings together those interested around aperitifs, lunches in the sunshine and concerts.
The second is the release of the Gaillac primeur, the 3rd Thursday of November. On this occasion, enthusiasts flock from all over France to celebrate the first wine of the year. To welcome this "new wine", the producers prepare for many weeks. Numerous events punctuate this convivial event. It is the only vin primeur in the South-West!Wine tourism
The Gaillac vineyards are a must-see wine tourism destination, revealing their history, traditions and assets to all those who are curious, guaranteeing interesting stays. Between the preserved heritage, the thematic cultural sites and the numerous wine cellars, you will quickly be immersed in the world of vines and wine. Take a walk in this environment that respects identities and know-how, and you will quickly discover what makes this thousand-year-old land so rich.
Enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that the Gaillac vineyard is located on the European cultural itinerary, "Iter vitis, les chemins de la vigne". Certified by the Council of Europe, this route aims to enhance the cultural landscape of winegrowing. Made up of natural, tangible and intangible elements of infinite richness, it is enhanced and made known to all thanks to an impressive work of documentation devoted to the European history of the vine and wine, a true symbol of Europe's identity.
