Gaillac wines and the Gaillac vineyard are over 1000 years old

The wines of Gaillac

Gaillac wines

Gaillac, the history

Here, men have been able to build and preserve one of the most precious assets: the art of living in the South West.

If the city of Gaillac was born in 972, the vineyard that bears its name was planted in the 1st century BC by the Romans.

Montans, the neighbouring town located very close to Gaillac, was a major pottery centre in the 2nd century. The numerous remains found attest to the exceptional age of the Gaillac vineyards. It was the Benedictine monks of the Abbey of Saint Michel de Gaillac who, in the Middle Ages, were the first to organise the vineyard and give a reputation to the wines of Gaillac.

Henri III and Louis XIV made it their delight. In the 17th century, "les vins du Coq", named after the fire mark that authenticated the barrels, enjoyed an excellent reputation throughout Europe.

The white Gaillac AOC was obtained in 1938, and much later for the red Gaillac AOC: in 1972.

Saint Michel Abbey in Gaillac
The harvest in the past in Gaillac
Gaillac vineyard map
Terroirs of the Gaillac vineyard

Gaillac, the grape varieties

Here, men have been able to build and preserve one of the most precious assets: the art of living in the South West.

If the city of Gaillac was born in 972, the vineyard that bears its name was planted in the 1st century BC by the Romans.

Montans, the neighbouring town located very close to Gaillac, was a major pottery centre in the 2nd century. The numerous remains found attest to the exceptional age of the Gaillac vineyards. It was the Benedictine monks of the Abbey of Saint Michel de Gaillac who, in the Middle Ages, were the first to organise the vineyard and give a reputation to the wines of Gaillac.

Henri III and Louis XIV made it their delight. In the 17th century, "les vins du Coq", named after the fire mark that authenticated the barrels, enjoyed an excellent reputation throughout Europe.

The white Gaillac AOC was obtained in 1938, and much later for the red Gaillac AOC: in 1972.

Gaillac, the wines

AOC Gaillac rouge: The Gaillac rouge is a masterpiece of the vineyard, with a deep colour, a powerful nose, and a subtle balance of red fruits and spices. The structured and concentrated top-of-the-range cuvées are perfectly suited to ageing and always seduce with their typical expression.

AOC Gaillac Rosé: It is a fine, 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'Oeil.

AOC Gaillac Doux: This is where the full potential of Mauzac, Muscadelle and Loin de L'Oeil 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, and can only be drunk from the 3rd Thursday in November.

The different wines of Gaillac