Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
SOUTH-WEST<br />
TERROIRS<br />
surroundings, ringed by Grésigne forest. The<br />
former hunting lodge was built in 1652 and was<br />
converted into a winery in the 1960s. It was<br />
bought by Solange and Jean-Paul David in 1996<br />
who set about diversifying the business. Since<br />
2003, it has been managed by their daughter Alix<br />
with her husband Romain Gérard who focuses<br />
primarily on the estate’s significant wine tourism<br />
activities. The 32 hectares of organically farmed<br />
vineyards are 80% planted to red varieties –<br />
Duras, Syrah, Braucol, Merlot, Prunelard and<br />
Grenache – complemented by 20% white varieties<br />
Mauzac, Len De Lel and Viognier. “We craft<br />
generous, modern and authentic wines”, explains<br />
Alix David. “The combination of vineyard sites,<br />
climate and unusual grape varieties allows us to<br />
produce characterful and elegant yet also appetising<br />
wines”. Three ranges are available, all of<br />
them encapsulating the qualities of Gaillac whilst<br />
at the same time acting as a skilful counterpoint to<br />
neighbouring appellations in South-West France.<br />
The winery’s outstanding labels Ta Main sur mon<br />
Chemin, Diva and Mystère stand alongside the<br />
chateau’s Collection with characterful reds, dry<br />
and sweet whites, rosés, ancestral method white<br />
and Fantaisies, encompassing dry whites, dry,<br />
fruity rosés and a light, fruity red.<br />
ALIX DAVID PRESENTS HER CHÂTEAU DE TERRIDE LABEL,<br />
A CHARACTERFUL ROSÉ<br />
JÉRÔME BEZIOS, WITH HIS PARENTS MARIE-JOSÉ AND JEAN-MARIE BEZIOS<br />
AT DOMAINE LA CROIX DES MARCHANDS<br />
DOMAINE LA CROIX<br />
DES MARCHANDS:<br />
CAPITALISING ON VARIETY<br />
Domaine La Croix des Marchands epitomises a<br />
seamless, and relevant transition from pottery to<br />
grapes. Set in the heart of the Gaillac wine region,<br />
the winery is located on the site of a major pottery<br />
centre dating back to Gallo-Roman times, where<br />
vines have been grown for over two thousand<br />
years. Established in the 1930s, this family-run<br />
farm was reorganised by Jean-Marie Bezios in 1975<br />
with a single-minded focus on winegrowing. The<br />
first vintage was released in 1983. After studying<br />
viticulture, his son Jérôme Bezios joined him in<br />
1998. A year later, the property was extended with<br />
the addition of Château Palvié broadening the<br />
AUTUMN 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE<br />
13