THE WINE 
This blend consists of 70% Mauzac and 30% Loin de l’Œil, presenting a lovely straw-yellow color with vibrant citrus aromas, notably grapefruit peel. On the palate, the wine is fresh and well-balanced, with lively acidity that energizes the taste experience, carrying through the grapefruit flavors. The grapes are destemmed, with two-thirds of the juice directly pressed and one-third undergoing a 10-day maceration in vats. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in tanks, with aging on fine lees for 10 months in concrete tanks. Partial fermentation occurs at controlled temperatures of 20°C and 16–18°C for the pressed juice. This wine is perfect as an aperitif and pairs beautifully with light dishes such as seafood—Bouzigues oysters, Étang de Thau mussels in cream sauce, octopus salad, and cuttlefish a la plancha—as well as fresh salads.
 
THE PEOPLE
Founded in 1949, Maison Labastide is the oldest wine cooperative in the Tarn and a cornerstone of the Gaillac wine region in Occitanie, southern France. Over more than seven decades, it has become a key player in promoting and preserving the unique terroirs of Gaillac. Maison Labastide is distinctive for producing wines from four diverse terroirs within the appellation: the Cordais Plateau, the hillsides of the Right Bank, the terraces of the Left Bank, and the Noyau de Cunac. This wide range of sites, combined with traditional and modern winemaking techniques, allows the cooperative to craft a variety of expressive wines that reflect the rich history, diverse soils, and climatic influences of the Gaillac region. The cellar also focuses on sustainable viticulture and quality, supporting over 200 growers who contribute to the cooperative’s success and reputation.
 
THE PLACE
Gaillac, located in southwest France near Toulouse, is one of the country’s oldest wine regions, with viticultural roots dating back to Roman times. Known for its diversity, Gaillac produces a wide range of wines—reds, whites, rosés, sparkling, and even sweet—using both international and rare local grape varieties. Indigenous grapes like Duras, Braucol (Fer Servadou), Mauzac, and Loin de l’Œil define the region’s unique identity, offering wines with distinct character and freshness. The varied terroir, including limestone, clay, and gravel soils, combined with a temperate climate, allows for expressive, food-friendly wines that highlight Gaillac’s rustic charm and historic depth.