WTN: Lovely white Gaillac

2011 Causse Marines Gaillac Les Greilles - France, Southwest France, Gaillac (8/7/2012)
12,5% abv; Mauzac, Loin-de-l’œil and a tiny bit of Muscadelle. Clean, very pure aromas, going somewhat to the tropical end of the spectrum but it still seems a very elegant and understated wine. The wine tastes a touch sweet and delicate but it has a persistent core of acidity that keeps this wonderfully bright and elegant. Brilliant stuff.

Otto, thanks for that evocative TN. I met the vigneron and tasted several of his wines, but not this one, last Autumn. I was very impressed by their original character and purity. He is a passionate worker and very articulate about his approach which includes biodynamic methods of grape cultivation.

He's the first Gaillac grower who has really impressed me. Previously I have had rather boring wines from mainly international varieties.

He's the first Gaillac grower who has really impressed me. Previously I have had rather boring wines from mainly international varieties.

Have you had the Plageoles wines? They strike me as a producer that Otto would like very much, with lots of indigenous varieties and in my experience a bit more 'character' than the Causse Marines wines. But I admit that I haven't had many CM wines and none in the past few years.

I haven't had Plageoles in years. They used to be available about a decade ago just as I was beginning to get interested in wine, but are sadly no longer available.

I learned many years ago that Gaillac Blanc was capable of aging, when a French wine geek/sommelier turned me on to some tremendously good blanc that was ten years old.

Also, CM does a passably good Marcillac (Fer Servadou) as well. We used it for a Sud Ouest class not long ago and it showed very well; surprised a lot of people. Of course most people, even many wine people, haven't had or even heard of Marcillac or Fer Servadou.

Rahsaan, I have never had a wine from Plageoles. I note, FWIW, that they are classed as a ** producer in the 2012 edition of RVF's Les Meilleurs Vins de France, whereas Causses Marines are mentioned but get no stars. I see that one of my favourite cavistes stocks their wines so I have little excuse for not sampling them.

Hoke, Marcillac is another little known appellation which produces wine which I find very appealing.

Hi Otto -

Thank you for the interesting note - sounds very nice. I enjoyed Causse Marines' sparkler, "Préambulles 9002" last year, but have not had any of their other wines yet.

Anyway, the Plageoles wines do not seem to be available in my area, either - I have inquired about ordering them, with no success thus far.