France — wine

Gaillac

One of France's oldest and most eccentric wine appellations, centred on the Tarn river east of Toulouse in Southwest France. Gaillac is a treasure trove of obscure indigenous varieties — Mauzac, Len de l'El, Ondenc, Braucol (Fer Servadou), Duras, Prunelart — producing wines of genuine originality. The region encompasses sparkling wines (méthode gaillacoise with natural bubbles), dry whites, sweet whites, and tannic reds that share nothing with the international mainstream.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Excellent year for both indigenous whites and reds; good ripeness with balanced acidity across varieties
2022 Outstanding Gaillac vintage; intense and concentrated with fine expression of indigenous character
2021 Cool, rainy spring followed by dry summer. Indigenous varieties showed excellent character and freshness.
2020 Hot, dry vintage ideal for the region's thick-skinned indigenous reds. Rich, concentrated wines with good structure.
2019 Long, warm growing season. Exceptional sweet wines from Mauzac and Ondenc.
2018 Outstanding vintage across all styles. Len de l'El whites of particular aromatic intensity.
2017 Spring frosts reduced yields. Surviving fruit concentrated and interesting.