"THE GAILLAC WINE REGION extends the length of
the Tarn near Albi. It is one of the oldest wine
regions in France, with its origins dating back
to the first century B.C. Having survived the
barbarian invasions, the wine region continued
its expansion thanks to the monks of the Saint
Michel abbey in Gaillac, who cleared the land and
planted vines.
"But it was under the Ancien Régime that
the wine of Gaillac had its golden age. Gaillac
wines were well regarded for the tables of kings
such as François the First.
"Between the wine-producing areas of Bordeaux and
Languedoc-Roussillon, the Aquitaine and
Midi-Pyrénées vineyards have
maintained grape growing throughout very
different terroirs, and are collectively known as
" Vineyards of the South-West ". From the banks
of River Dordogne to the Lot Valley, from Pays
Basque to Gascony and Agenais, from the south of
Massif Central to the slopes of the Tarn, from
the terraces bordering the River Garonne to the
old walls of Toulouse... the thousand year old
Vineyards of the South-West produce the large
number of grape varieties used to produce their
characteristic wines and spirits.
"The brand new Comité Interprofessionnel
des Vins du Sud-Ouest, officially created in
December 1997, includes: 5 AOC (Appellations
d'origine contrôlée) Côtes du
Frontonnais, Gaillac, Madiran, Marcillac,
Pacherenc-du-Vic-Bilh and 7 'Quality Wine
produced in a specific region' : Côtes du
Brulhois, Côtes de Millau, Côtes de
Saint-Mont, Estaing, Entraygues et Fel,
Lavilledieu and Tursan."
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Of two of Chateau Lastours' wines, according to
a distributor's description:
"The Red is a typical Gaillac wine - fruity and
round with balance and finesse. Lay down 3 - 5
years according to vintage. It can be drunk in
its 2nd year. Serve at room temperature. It is
especially good with roast or grilled meat and
cheese. Appellation : Gaillac, Appellation
d'origine controlée.
Grape Varieties : Fer Servadou, Syrah, Cabernet
Sauvignon and Merlot.
Soil Type : Siliceous sand terraces near the Tarn
River.
Vinification : Traditional for the red (8 - 10
days) with temperature control.
Bottling : All the wines are château
bottled.
"The Perlé is a much sought after white
wine that has a slight sparkle and Château
Lastours produces one of the finest. The wine is
dry to medium and should be chilled but not too
cold to ensure the exotic flavours are released.
Sauvignon blanc is one of the main grapes in this
fine wine, and the vinification process is very
carefully controlled using low temperature
fermentation. and offers ideal wine growing
conditions, soils and climate. All the wine from
this château is bottled on the premises.
The people of this part of France are rightly
proud of this regional specialty and it will make
an excellent contribution to your own cellar."
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