Discover the wines of Gaillac and the vineyard: a whole way of life!

In the Tarn, is one of the oldest vineyards in France: the wine-growing territory of the Vins de Gaillac. 2000 years of know-how, from the Romans who planted vines in this precious terroir, to the monks who developed and marketed it. We invite you to discover wines of character, generous and perfectly adapted to the tasting of products from the Tarn region.

Gaillac wines, as unique as the territory that hosts them

Authentic is the right word to describe the wines of Gaillac (fr). Come and discover the oldest vineyard in the southwest and probably one of the most secular in France.

Archaeological research has brought to light heritage remains and objects related to viticulture dating from Roman times. Gaillac and its region are located at a crossroads of trade, exchange and communication routes, but this is not the only reason why the Romans chose to plant their vines there... It is also because here, the plains unfold and curl up against the sunny hillsides, in perfect alternation to offer a terroir conducive to diversity. On one side the Atlantic Ocean, on the other the Mediterranean, which despite their (relative) remoteness, offer a perfect climate that the autan wind, hot and dry, completes. A humid plain, watered by the Tarn and its tributaries, by the sun: this is the ideal recipe for guaranteeing generous wines, with rich and complex flavors as well as a whole attractive aromatic palette.

In the north of the Tarn, just 50 km from Toulouse, the Gaillac region is also conducive to tourism: you will discover a myriad of small picturesque villages, sometimes perched, charming towns, whose success has been built thanks to the vine, through a whole specialized economy: in cooperage, glassware, pottery, there is all the knowledge and natural resources here to preserve wine and vinify it brilliantly!

Unique grape varieties and committed winegrowers

The specificity of Gaillac wines is the use of original, unique and ancestral grape varieties. Here, the wine- growing past is privileged, thanks (among others), to the monks who were once the protectors of these native grape varieties and fond of crossing with new species, imported by pilgrims and travellers. The result is original varieties, which give the wines of Gaillac all their character. Here are some of the solemn varieties of this vineyard:

• Loin de l'œil, a very old white grape variety (we still don't know its origins!). Vigorous, precocious, it is also reserved for late harvests, it produces sweet sweet wines with aromas of honey...

• Mauzac is a productive white grape variety that goes well with limestone soils. It is used to make wines using the Gaillac Method (sparkling wine).
  

• Odenc, a white grape variety, is grown almost exclusively in Gaillac! Torn off after the phylloxera crisis, then set aside, it is now regaining its place and its letters of nobility. It offers admirable and fine dry white wines, delicate and complex sweet wines.
  

• In red, Prunelart, one of the oldest grape varieties in the vineyard, was only reinstated in 2008 because it was thought lost! It is an ancestor of Malbec, which promises deep aromas of black fruits...
  

• The Duras (red), which is thought to originate from the Tarn, has developed well since 1970. It thrives in poor, chalky soils. Its spicy and peppery aromas are successfully used to create unique blends.
  

• Le Braucol (red). Imported by pilgrims from the Basque Country, it delights the taste buds with its aromas of blackcurrant and raspberry. Increasingly worked as a single grape variety, it is currently part of the composition of fine and tannic blends.
  

The winegrowers of the Vins de Gaillac (fr) are 300 passionate and committed professionals , guarantors of a convivial art of living. The winegrowers and winegrowers offer you a very rich and diversified palette composed of wines in AOP Gaillac, AOP Gaillac Premieres Côtes (White) and IGP Côtes du Tarn.

Tourism between the vineyards

What could be better than spending a few days in the region to enjoy its magnificent natural, cultural and historical riches, while doing wine tourism? The territory has been labeled Vignobles et Découvertes since 2010. A distinction that highlights the involvement of all tourism stakeholders, for the enhancement of heritage and the quality of the vineyard.

Beyond the vineyards, the Gaillac region is home to bastides, castles, perched villages, hikes, multiple outdoor activities... Visit Gaillac (and its superb Saint-Jacques district), the bastide town of Lisle-sur-Tarn (and its large square, its perfect geometry), Rabastens (and its magnificent red brick complex), Puycelsi (perched on its rocky promontory with its 800m of ramparts, among the most beautiful villages in France), Castelnau-de-Montmiral (still one of the most beautiful villages in France!), Cordes-sur-Ciel (which needs no introduction…) and you are only a few kilometers from beautiful Albi.

To organize your stay, trust the Gaillac Ambassadors Club (fr). A dense and dynamic network of restaurateurs, accommodation providers, service providers and tourist activities who are committed alongside the winegrowers, to give you all the information you need for the success of your tourism and wine stay!

Sleep in charming accommodation, with welcoming and well-informed hosts, who will be able to quench your thirst for questions... Eat in restaurants involved in promoting the vineyard, with restaurateurs who will be able to advise you on the best wines to accompany your delicious adventures taste. Find tourist and cultural activities to explore near the vineyard, to punctuate your vacation without wasting time. Enjoy, we take care of everything!

Every year during the summer season, the vineyard is celebrating! Consult the agenda and plan your vacation (fr) according to eclectic and joyful events. Aperitif in the vineyards, concerts, tastings and visits, parties, there is something for everyone!

Les Vins de Gaillac is an invitation to discover a quality way of life. Discover these original wines, which are the fruit of ancestral know-how and represent all the generosity of Tarnaise. Don't forget to bring some home to share with your friends!

Did you like our report? Find more on the BLOG.

Follow us on the Tarn Aveyron Guide Facebook page and also on Instagram @guidetarnaveyron