Gaillac, Marcillac & Fronton - TonghamTaster’s French Wine Tasting Course – week 16

The 12 month on-line course to help you learn about French wines - Top tips on how to get value when buying them - Reasonably priced up-to-date recommendations of what to buy and try in the UK - Bringing you the best of Tongham Village Hall wine tastings.

INTRODUCTION
This week we continue our discovery of the lovely wines of South West France and move on to the wines of Gaillac, Marcillac and Frontron which are all made with some very local varieties of grape including Fer.

Albi

LOCALITY
Gaillac is south east of Cahors west of the town of Gaillac, although Albi is the best known town in the area. Marcillac is to the east of Cahors. Fronton is to the south of Cahors and to the north of Toulouse.

VARIETALS
Fer, sometimes called Fer Servadou is the local grape variety that can be found in the red wines of all of this area and a little beyond.
The red wines of Marcillac are defined by the use of the Fer grape as their wines must contain 90% Fer, which locally in called Mansois. This grape variety has apparently nothing to do with the Argentinian Fer which is probably a clone of Malbec.

The wines of Fronton are characterised by the use of the little known Negrette variety which must make up 60% of this red wine. Because it is prone to rot and mildew, this variety is not grown much elsewhere.
Gaillac wines can contain many different varieties of grape. The reds used to contain a lot of Gamay but it is being supplanted now by use of the local Duras grape. Fer and international varieties like Syrah and Merlot are also used.
The whites of Gaillac contain local varieties such as Mauzac and also the better known Sauvignon Blanc.

THE WINES
The wines of Marcillac are not particularly well known and were only uplifted to full AOC status about 20 years ago. As well as the Fer grapes they may have a small amount of the usual Bordeaux red varietals in the blend.
I have often seen the Fronton wines in the French supermarkets and have enjoyed them for many years.

The red wines of Gaillac used to be amongst the cheap, good value, light reds in French restaurants. Perhaps the white wines are even better. There are also some unusual sparkling and semi-sparkling wines from the region but I have to admit that I have never tried them.

THE TASTE
The wines of Marcillac can be very tannic. They are known for their aromatic and peppery aroma and taste.
The wines of Fronton can be both spicy and fruity and are not normally so tannic.
The red wines of Gaillac can very a lot but are often simple and easy drinking. The whites also very a lot from a classic Sauvignon Blanc to a more appley white. The whites can also be sweet and sparkling.

TOP TIPS

• Look out for these interesting wines that can represent both value and interest. You won’t find these grape varietals much elsewhere. I particularly favour Fronton if given the choice, perhaps because I find it goes well with food.

HOMEWORK
For your homework this week you need to buy and try a Gaillac, Marcillac or Fronton wine. You will find buying these wines quite difficult but not impossible in the UK It may include the following wine but I also recommend a trip to Les Caves des Pyrenes:

Waitrose – Château Bouissel Classic 2009 Fronton - about £9

FOOD PAIRINGS
With wines like these, it is always good to try them with some local cuisine. The Fronton will go well with Cassoulet and Confit of duck and also Basque dishes. In terms of other dishes why not try the Fronton with simply grilled veal, oxtail or chicken casserole. The Gaillac is said to go well with Rocamadour cheese and steaks.

COMING SOON
Next week we move on to the lovely white wines of Jurancon and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh.  If you missed the early weeks of this course, it is not too late to catch up. Just click on the French Wine Course link at the top of this page.