As its name suggests, this vineyard is located is the Southwest of France, between the Massif Central and the Pyrénées, and spreads over 11 departments (Aveyron, Dordogne, Gers, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrénées, Lot, Lot-et-Garonne, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Landes). There is, among others, the AOC Gaillac.
This designation’s area spreads in the Northeast of Toulouse over about 3 900 hectares of soils with highly variable composition. Vines of Cabernet-franc, Clairette, Mourvèdre and Syrah among others, subject to the oceanic climate of this geographical area, are planted there and enable the production of white dry or sweet wines, sparkling wines or rosé and red wines. Known for their great diversity, these wines rreflect the caracteristics of the terroir where they have been produced but also of the grape varieties that were used for their production.
Filtrer

In Vinum (ageing in barrels and partially aged in terracotta Amphora)
DOMAINE SARRABELLE Sud OuestAOC Gaillac: Everything You Need to Know About This Appellation
History of the AOC Gaillac
The vineyard of the AOC Gaillac, located in the southwest of France, is a viticultural treasure shaped by diverse influences over the centuries. From the Benedictine monks who cultivated the vines during the Middle Ages to the innovative winemaking techniques introduced in recent decades, Gaillac's history is rich and varied.
Climate and Terroir of the AOC Gaillac
Climate: The AOC Gaillac vineyard benefits from a temperate oceanic climate with Mediterranean influences. The dry wind known as the Autan helps naturally limit vine diseases.
Sols: The terroir of the AOC Gaillac is composed of varied soils, including clays, limestones, and sandstones. This diversity of soils gives Gaillac wines a great richness and unique expression.
Key Grape Varieties of the AOC Gaillac
The wines of the AOC Gaillac are often made from a blend of grape varieties, many of which are indigenous to the region:
- Syrah (red and rosé)
- Gamay (young wines)
- Merlot (red and rosé)
- Duras (red and rosé)
- Braucol or Fer Servadou (red and rosé)
- Cabernet Sauvignon (red and rosé)
- Cabernet Franc (red and rosé)
- Mauzac (white)
- Len-de-l'el or Loin de l'Œil (white)
- Muscadelle (white)
- Sauvignon (white)
- Ondenc (white)
Style of AOC Gaillac Wines
White Wine: Ranging from straw yellow to golden (for sweet wines), dry whites and sparkling wines reveal notes of yellow and white fruits (apple, pear, peach) and flowers. Sweet whites are characterized by intense aromas of ripe fruits, honey, and a smooth mouthfeel.
Rosé Wine: Featuring a salmon-pink color, rosé wines have aromas of red fruits (strawberries, raspberries), flowers, and a hint of candy, maintaining a light and crisp taste.
Red Wine: Depending on the grape varieties and the domain, Gaillac red wines can be either supple and pleasant or robust and full-bodied. The aromatic palette often includes spices, licorice, and red and black fruits.
Best Food Pairings with AOC Gaillac Wines
Here are some pairing suggestions for wines from the AOC Gaillac:
Dry White Wine:
- Zucchini and goat cheese tart
- Piperade (a Basque vegetable stew)
Rosé Wine:
- Perigordian salad
Red Wine:
- Charcuterie
- Toulouse sausage
- Cassoulet
Sweet White Wine:
- Foie gras
- Roquefort cheese
- Basque cake
Sparkling Wine (ancestral method):
- Apple tart