Les Vignobles Gayrel, Cotes du Tarn, 'La Breche', Braucol Syrah

A characterful red with generous notes of blackcurrant fruit, with hints of liquorice, sweet spice and vanilla. Smooth and supple, with a fresh finish. 

Producer Note

In 1976, Alain Gayrel took over the family estate of nine hectares and has been committed ever since to establishing it as a true benchmark estate for Gaillac wines. On ancient winegrowing soils, Alain carefully selected the best plots of land, which were meticulously cultivated by expert hands, to allow the vines to express the terroir. Today the legacy is continued by Alain’s son, Vincent. The Gayrel family has established long-term partnerships with growers who cultivate from sustainably farmed vines which hold the HVE Level 3 certification, to produce modern, fruit-driven wines which showcase the Gaillac region and the signature varieties of the South West of France. 

Vineyard

This wine is made predominantly from Braucol, a dark-skinned local indigenous variety that is sometimes known as Fer Servadou. DNA testing suggests it originates from the Carmenère family. The Gayrel vineyard is located on the right bank of the River Tarn, in the heart of the Gaillac region, where the Braucol variety really flourishes. The region is situated at a crossroads for climatic influences, where Continental, Mediterranean and oceanic climates all come together, each bringing its distinctive influence over the vines. The vineyard stretches from the Premières Côtes to the Cordais Plateau, where the vines are planted at 300 metres above sea-level, benefitting from cooler influences which impart freshness to the wines. The sloping vineyard benefits from a combination of clay-limestone soils, which offer excellent balance between the water retention properties of the clay component and the freshness imparted by the limestone element. 

Winemaking

The grapes underwent skin maceration for eight to 18 hours at temperatures lower than 10°C, in isothermal tanks. This helps to preserve the aromatics while also helping to limit the addition of sulphur required. After the wine was racked and blended. The wine was vinified without the influence of oak, to allow the characteristics of the Braucol variety be fully expressed.

Tasting Note

A characterful red with generous notes of blackcurrant fruit, with hints of liquorice, sweet spice and vanilla. Smooth and supple, with a fresh finish.

Grape

Braucol 85%, Syrah 15%