Gaillac AOP is a small wine district in southwestern France, near the city of Toulouse. Red wines are the most widely produced here, with whites, a small production of rosés and sparkling wines also a part of the local industry.

Grapes used in the reds are Syrah and two local cultivars, Duras and Fer Servadou, with Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot being used in lesser quantities. There is also a light red known as premeur made solely from Gamay, meant for consumption within the first year. Pair these reds with lighter game birds, poultry and lightly aged cheeses.

The whites are produced from Muscadelle and local varieties Len d l’El and Mauzac. These are lighter whites with good acidity and distinct earthy, spicy notes. Pair these with salads, seafood and tangy cheeses.

Sparkling Gaillac is made from Mauzac; there are also some dessert wines made here (vendanges tardives), principally from Len d l’El and Ondenc.

Languedoc AOP covers red, white and rosé wines made in the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region in southern France, near the Mediterranean Sea and the border with Spain; Montpellier is a major city in this area.

About three-quarters of the wines produced here are red, with principal varieties being Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre; a typical Languedoc red is the so-called Rhone blend of these varieties (rosés are also made from these varieties). These reds are medium-bodied with plum and cherry fruit, soft tannins balanced acidity; these are immediately drinkable and work well with all sorts of meats, casseroles and stews.

Whites are produced from Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, as well as Rhone varieties such as Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne. These are perfumed whites with tropical fruit flavors and moderate to good acidity; these are often consumed on their own or with certain seafood dishes.

There are also 3 types of sparkling wines made in the Languedoc, but they are rather simple and rarely seen outside their home. The tasty rosés are the most popular, along with the red wines; dry and fruit-forward, these rosés have good character and can be paired with numerous dishes or enjoyed in the summer on their own. (Wine/Appellations)