Review: Cuvée Victorine 2020 Domaine de Borie-Vieille from Gaillac A.O.C.

Here, I review the Cuvée Victorine 2020 Domaine de Borie-Vieille from Gaillac A.O.C.  


The Gaillac wine region is located in the northeast of Toulouse, which is in southwest France. The Gaillac A.O.C. has approximately 4,000 hectares of vineyards.

Red wines are prominent in the region, but many white wines are also produced, as well as sweet "doux" and "vendanges tardives" style wines. 

Braucol (also commonly called "Fer Servadou", "Fer", and "Duras") and Syrah are particularly common, as well as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, are the primary grapes for red wines. For white wines, Len de l'El and Muscadelle are most common.



The land has been owned by the Fontvieille family since 1910, and the winery began in 1997. This wine is made primarily from the local favorite Braucol (also commonly called "Fer Servadou", "Fer", and "Duras"), Syrah, and Cabernet Franc. 

The average age of the vines is 20 years, planted on high terraces on the right bank of the Tarn region. Exposure is to the south and southeast, while the soils are a mix of sand and gravel. The climate is influenced by both the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Yields were approximately 45 hectoliters per hectare. 

Harvest occurred mechanically and the grapes were vinified with maceration for 15 to 21 days, and subsequently aged for 14 months in vats.

The appearance of the wine is deep Garnet, and on the nose provides notes of ripe strawberry, fresh cherry, leather, black pepper, and cinnamon. 

On the palate, additional notes of red apple and ripe red bell pepper come through. 

Overall, this is a rich, delicious, and intriguing red. This wine does a wonderful job of mixing bright red fruits with a spicy, warm profile, The body is supple, with bright acidity and restrained tannins. This is a wonderful wine to pair with spiced dished, such as stuffed peppers or spiced chicken and glazed carrots.







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