Château Clément-Termes, Gaillac 2007

The original vineyards of this estate were located at the foot of the historic Bastide town of Montaigut, a former bastide town, which, during the Wars of Religion, was rebuilt on the plain of the Lisle and became Lisle-sur-Tarn. Clément was passionately interested in the vines and in wine and decided, in 1868 to construct a winery building. It was only a few years later that he built the Chateau. He delivered his wines all over France in barrels.

His clients then were largely composed of churchmen. 150 years later the winery is spitclean new and the philosophy commercially oriented. However, the respect for tradition is undimmed. This is wine from some of the oldest vineyards in France.

The Gaillac Blanc, a fascinating blend of Mauzac, Loin de l’Oeil, Muscadelle and Sauvignon, a mixture of native and parvenu grape varieties, exhibits fragrant apple-blossom aromas and vibrant fruit. Floral, fruity and herbal it is understated and yet happily satisfying. Were it Italian, you suspect, the price might be somewhat different.