Domaine de Brin, organic and natural Gaillac wines

The Domaine de Brin is situated between Albi, Gaillac and Cordes (within the Gaillac AOC). It covers a 12-hectare plateau of clay and limestone. The former family estate is surrounded by oak woods, in a peaceful and unspoilt setting.

At the helm is Damien Bonnet, a farmer and winegrower who has proven himself to be a talented and inspired winemaker. Damien Bonnet firmly believes that the quality of the wine depends on the good health of the vineyard and its environment.

He is committed to using organic farming methods and natural winemaking techniques. As a result, the wine truly reflects its terroir, the influence of the climate and the character of the grape varieties.

In the vineyard, in the cellar

Typical of the Gaillac region, the grape varieties used have a strong identity. Duras, Braucol and Prunelart for reds. Mauzac, Loin de l’œil and Ondenc for whites. The terroir consists of clay-limestone soil, with the stonier plots reserved for white grape varieties, favouring finesse and minerality. The red grape varieties are grown on more clayey and slightly deeper soils, to ensure better integration with the terroir. The vineyard is managed organically to promote soil life, notably by allowing natural grass cover and working the soil between the vines. Where necessary, green manure crops such as field beans and oats are used to enrich and improve the soil structure. The vines thus achieve a balance that allows for a low yield of 20 to 35 hl/ha, producing healthy, fully ripe grapes.

After each grape variety is harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, fermentation begins naturally without the addition of yeast. Vinification proceeds gently in step with the seasons, in vats or barrels depending on the cuvée. And without sulphur (only a ‘homeopathic’ dose is added before bottling). The wines are clarified simply by gravity. Red wines are not filtered.

A few photos of the Brin estate in Gaillac