Wine of the Week 10/22/19

Domaine Barreau Côtes du Tarn “BARO” Rouge 2018

Regularly $11.99/On sale for $9.96

Gaillac is home to Southwest France's oldest vineyards. It was known as one of the two Grand Crus of ancient Rome's Gaul, and archeologists have discovered a large Roman-era pottery for creating winemaking amphorae just downriver from Gaillac. As great French wine goes, the region was a millennium ahead of Burgundy and 1500 years ahead of much of Bordeaux.

In 1397, the world’s first wine brand – Vins du Coq – was created for Gaillac wine, and in 1520, Francois I gave Henry VIII 50 barrels of Gaillac wine as a royal gift.

The region has both maritime and Mediterranean climatic influences, and this, together with a diversity of soils, makes the region one of great complexity and a wide range of grape varietals.

Domaine Barreau is a fifth generation family winery (founded in 1865) located in Boissel, 4 km from Gaillac. The domaine’s estate vineyards cover 32 hectares on the slopes around the river Tarn, on mostly clay-limestone soils. The vineyards are farmed according to organic and biodynamic principles, though they are not certified.  The Barreau “Baro” is a friendly but multi-dimensional blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, along with the indigenous grape, Duras. Perfect for cooler nights, with or without food!