Winery Visits
Truly experience wine by visiting the numerous local wineries that over the decades have become integral to the land. Learn from the vintners themselves as they proudly detail their natural processes that produce delicious wines. Being one of the oldest wine regions in France, you will come close to time-tested, organic and natural wines in Gauginelles.
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Natural Wines
Natural Wine works with nature to provide a healthier, more sustainable, and better quality wine that can be shared by all. The vintner uses organic methods to create cleaner wine that involves no pesticides, herbicides and fungicides nor any additives. This stems from a deep-rooted connection between vintner and grapevine, using no machinery in their processes but rather trusting only their skilled hands. Following the principles "nothing added, nothing taken away," the winemakers use as little human intervention as possible. As a result, the grapes are harvested at their purest and allowed to boast their own natural expression in the wine. Ultimately, natural wine creates a drink we can all share and love, whilst still being kind to nature and our body. There are multiple natural winemakers in the area and we invite you to taste and learn more about these organic natural wines.
For further information surrounding natural wines, explore NaturAllWines and Optimal Health.
Grape Varietals
White Grape Varietals
Loin de L'oeil
Native to the Gaillac region this long-standing variety is considered one of the oldest in France. A local favourite of ours, you will find aromas of apple and pear in a fresh, well balanced, and versatile wine.
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Mauzac
This grape, typically creating wines with notes of honey and green apple, has historical links to Gaillac. However, it's origins are very ancient, with theories of Roman or Greek transportation into the region.
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Muscadelle, Sauvignon and Ondenc
You will also find these secondary grape varietals in the region. The Muscadelle and Sauvignon grapes have become popular world-wide grapes and the Ondenc is a native Gaillac grape.
Red Grape Varietals
Duras
An ancient grape varietal that originates and solely grown in France's south-west. This varietal likely gets its name from the hardness of its wood or the firm flesh of the grape. It produces a full-bodied red with flavours of black fruit, pepper, dried herbs and a trace of smoke.
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Prunelart
Prunelart remains unique to Gaillac with the grape presumed extinct until recently. It yields a wine with deep flavours and blackberry notes both on the palate and nose. A very bold and unusual flavour that blends well with other Gaillac grape varietals.
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Braucol
Believed to have originated from the Spanish Basque country and distributed by pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela, this red grape has become the main varietal in Gaillac. Braucol produces a light-coloured, medium-bodied wine that develops flavours of redcurrant, fig and pepper.
Gamay
After an initial distrust and attempted outlaw of this grape varietal by the ruling dukes of Burgundy in the 14th Century, Gamay became a commonly used grape in Beaujolais and Gaillac. It is most famous for producing light wines with flavours of red cherries and strawberries.
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Syrah
Whilst not native to Gaillac, this grape has thrived in this region for many years thanks to the Mediterranean climate. This dark-skinned grape produce earthy and savoury wines with hints of blackcurrant and liquorice.
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Cabernet Sauvignon
and Merlot
Both these grape varieties have strong historic ties to France's south-west and have gained significant global popularity. Merlot wines are typically smooth with notes of plum and black cherry, and whilst Cabernet Sauvignon have similar fruity aromas, they possess darker spices and stronger tannins.
Our Local Favourites
A former wine instructor, this vintner put his knowledge into practice. With a strong connection with vines and wines, des Cailloutis offers a wide range of quality natural wines.
Despite claims that natural wine cannot be aged, Peyres-Combes offers a wide range of wines, including unique aged natural wines. Highlighted by its 2008 red.
A family run vineyard that transfers their expertise from generation to generation. Located on a beautiful property, with friendly and informative tastings.
Further Abroad
A father and daughter vineyard who each bring slightly different perspectives to their wines. The more traditional father warmly supports the creative vision of his daughter's natural wines.
A natural wine vineyard, the vintner balances the traditional methods of processing wine with more novel practices. A visit to Michel Isslay provides your taste buds with peculiar yet delectable natural wines.
Duffau offers a wide range of excellent wines. Of particular note is the white, highlighted by the regional loin de l'oeil varietal, oaked, using the Burgundy batonnage method. Many believe this process of stirring the wine helps enrich the wine with better flavours.