Meet the producer: Marine Leys
Marine works with a mix of local varieties: Mauzac, Loin de l’Oeil, Braucol, Duras and then some Gamay, and Syrah (the most commercial of the varieties, and Gaillac used to sell a lot of bulk must and juice to other regions). She tends to 5 hectares and works organically.
LA VIGNEREUSE
DOMAINE
La Vignereuse
WINEMAKER
Marine Leys
VINEYARD
5 ha
BOTTLES PRODUCED
19,000
COUNTRY, REGION, SUBREGION
France, Gaillac, Andillac
After working as a diving instructor and an underwater photographer, Marine began to learn about viticulture while living in Turkey; she then continued studying in Beaune. Marine was lucky to find her vineyards to rent; as in Gaillac there is a short supply of vines. (there used to be 20,000 hectares under vine in Gaillac, now only 5,000 remain)
Marine works with a mix of local varieties: Mauzac, Loin de l’Oeil, Braucol, Duras and then some Gamay, and Syrah (the most commercial of the varieties, and Gaillac used to sell a lot of bulk must and juice to other regions). She tends to 5 hectares and works organically.
The vineyards are situated on the South-East-facing slopes of the Cordais plateau. The soil is schist on limestone and less argilo-calcareous than the rest of Gaillac. All wines are fermented and aged in fibreglass. No sulphur is used on the reds.
Despite the heat down in Gaillac (a 45 minute drive north-east from Tolouse), Marine consistently manages to keep a lot of lightness and finesse in the wine. This has a Southern profile — citrus and stone fruits, white plum, generous mouthfeel, and a bit of body — all balanced in a mouthwatering juice. Great refreshment, with food or without. Zero added sulphur.
Style: Still
Colour: White
Producer: Vignereuse (Marine Leys)
Country: France
Region: Gaillac
Grapes: Mauzac & Loin de l'Oeil
Sulphur: Zero added
ABV: 12.5%