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SOUTH-WEST
TERROIRS
GAILLAC
MAISON LABASTIDE:
ARTISAN WINEGROWING
MICHEL MARTINEZ, THE WINEMAKER AT MAISON LABASTIDE
MAISON LABASTIDE
Founded in 1949 and originally called the Coteaux
de Gaillac et du Pays Cordais Co-operative Winery,
Maison Labastide has around 100 member winegrowers
producing approximately 60,000 hectolitres
of wine. The winery has long-standing roots
in the heart of Occitania and over the years has
established itself as a major Gaillac producer. Its
winegrowers have focused their efforts on the
distinctive identity that stems from local grape
varieties and a broad-ranging product portfolio
which even includes lightly sparkling white Gaillac.
“Our company combines the craftsmanship of its
winegrowers with the technical expertise of its
winemakers, using modern equipment to craft
on-trend wine styles”, explains winery chairman
Alain Fonvieille. “Our USP is that we create
distinctive, authentic wines, many of them single
varietals. Our hallmark vineyard sites and grape
varieties, most of which are native to the region,
produce unique wines and that is a major advantage
for warding off competition from our South-
West neighbours mostly”. A range of vineyard
management techniques promotes great variety,
allowing the winery to make dry, lightly sparkling
dry and sweet wines, but also late-harvest or
early-release wines, reds, rosés and ancestral
methods. This variety gives the winery access to a
number of markets, which is not necessarily true
for the competition. “The price is also an advantage
compared with other appellations”, claims marketing
director Arnaud Elgoyhen. “The quality of the
wines has improved dramatically over the past few
decades, coupled with a strong artisan identity,
both of which are genuine advantages for both
trade and private customers”.
CHÂTEAU DE TERRIDE:
OUTSTANDING WINES
The stunning and unique Château de Terride
stands like an enclave in its pristine natural
12 AUTUMN 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE