Graf Ferdinand von Thun and Hohenstein acquired the "Château de Frausseilles" estate, now operating under the proprietor's name as Domaine du Comte de Thun, 10 years ago. Together with his friend and Italy's best-known oenologist, Dr. Riccardo Cotarella, he set himself the goal of producing top-quality red wines in this somewhat unknown area of the Tarn. And he has now succeeded famously.

The Domaine's top wines can take on internationally renowned wines from all over the world. In 2001 the Domaine lost the right to bear the "Appellation Gaillac Controlée" (AOC) designation since officially prescribed native grape varieties such as Braucol and Duras are not used.

This, however, in no way impairs the quality of the wines they produce - quite the contrary.

 

 

Even wine critics and leading wine experts in the area have already begun to take notice of the Domaine du Comte de Thun and recognise the potential of the wines produced there. The wines themselves are not typical of the area due to their structure, body and finish, but a comparison with typical Gaillac wines is not intended. The Domaine du Comte de Thun   prides itself on the one hand on making single-grape wines for laying down such as "La Maze (100% Merlot), La Tarabelle (100% Syrah) and La Cabane (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) and also on continuing to produce the highest quality blends from these. The wines elegantly reflect the earth and the fruit of the vines.

The results of the work so far achieved have been continued by an ambitious young wine-maker from the Médoc region, Orlando Caporro. After successfully completing his oenology degree in Italy, and following three years spent working for the famous "Rollan de By" winery, which in recent years gained the highest awards for its wines, Orlando Caporro has now assumed responsibility for the Domaine du Comte de Thun's highly motivated team. Riccardo Cotarella sees in him the high potential necessary to continue perfecting the already outstanding quality of the wines from the Domaine du Comte de Thun.