Gaillac French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Gaillac is one of the oldest wine regions in France, in the southwest, known for its rare local grape varieties and an exceptional range of styles: dry, sweet and sparkling whites, fruity reds and rosés.
More info about Gaillac
Geographic position
Southwestern France, in the Tarn department, along the Tarn river around the town of Gaillac, about 50 km northeast of Toulouse and close to the medieval city of Albi.
Origin & history
The Romans planted vines here in the 1st century, before Bordeaux, and Benedictine monks of the Abbey of Saint-Michel developed the vineyards from 972. Gaillac wines were shipped down the Tarn and Garonne to Bordeaux and England. Gaillac became an AOC in 1938 and is famous for its traditional "méthode gaillacoise" sparkling wine.
Wines & grape varieties
Whites from local Mauzac, Len de l'El, Loin de l'Oeil and Ondenc, plus Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle; reds and rosés from Braucol (Fer Servadou), Duras, Syrah and Prunelard. Expect apple, pear and spice in whites, blackcurrant and pepper in reds.
Climate & soil
A meeting of oceanic and Mediterranean climates, with the dry Autan wind. Limestone plateau, gravel terraces and clay-limestone slopes.
Wine region: Sud-Ouest
Grape varieties: Braucol, Duras, Loin de l'Oeil, Muscadelle, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah