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Wine Vacqueyras
Nestled in the heart of the Rhône Valley, Vacqueyras is the region's newest registered appellation. This AOC is the only one on the left bank of the Rhône to produce red, white and rosé wines, although the red wines remain the most produced and well-known of the appellation, for their complexity and concentration. Read more on Vacqueyras
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Appellation Vacqueyras
Vacqueyras is a vineyard with a recent resurgence
The history of AOC Vacqueyras differs slightly from the rest of the Rhône region, starting in the Middle Ages. As far as the arrival of viticulture in the region and more specifically in Vacqueyras, it was the Romans who brought it, during the occupation, around the first centuries AD. We have traces of their viticulture as many amphorae from the period have been found in the Mornas district. Viticulture was prosperous there at the time, and the wine of the region was sung by a famous troubadour of the area, named Raimbault.
However, when the Romans left the country, around the 5th century, the culture changed in this part of the Rhone, and there is no longer any trace of vines west of the Dentelles de Montmirail, but these spaces were transformed into fields for cereal cultivation throughout the Middle Ages, and the region became a real "granary" for the Popes, residing in Avignon. However, traces of vines can be found from the 15th century onwards. These gradually developed until they became a vineyard of importance, which was unfortunately stopped in its tracks by mildew, powdery mildew and phylloxera in the 19th century. In 1930, the appellation area we know as Vacqueyras today joined the Rhone Valley appellation, and it wasn't until 1990 that Vacqueyras gained its full AOC status.
The terroir that is home to AOC Vacqueyras is full of richness and balance
The terroir of Vacqueyras is quite steep: the highest terraces rise to more than 200m in altitude. The variety of soils between the banks of the Ouvèze and the high plateaus is therefore consequent, and the grapes grown there are therefore very different. The climate is Mediterranean, particularly sunny (more than 2,800 hours of sunshine per year), but the fairly cool winds allow the grapes to retain a nice freshness, which is found in the form of finesse in the wines.
The soils closest to the river are mainly clay, and the first terraces near them are stony, all on sand and saffron subsoils. As we gain altitude, the soils become more and more clay-limestone. On the first slopes, sandstone and limestone become predominant, and on the highest slopes, we find marl sands mixed with Oligocene gypsum. This terroir is therefore particularly rich, allowing the production of wines that are both very diverse and very complex.
The wines of the Vacqueyras appellation are produced in red (95%), white (4%) and rosé (1%), from a number of grape varieties in blends. For the reds, the main grape variety is Grenache noir, which must make up at least 50% of the final blend, in addition to Syrah and Mourvèdre, which must make up at least 20% of the blend. In total, the famous GSM blend (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) must represent at least 90% of the final blend. The remaining 10% can be composed of the other grape varieties present in the Rhone Valley appellation. Rosés are made from the same grape varieties as the reds, only the vinification is different. For white wines, which must also be blended, Clairette, Grenache blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussane, Marsanne and Viognier are allowed, up to a maximum of 80% each.
Whites and rosés should be drunk within 3 years. The reds can be aged between 5 and 10 years depending on the quality of the vintage and the maturing process.
What are the characteristics of a Vacqueyras?
Red Vacqueyras
To the eye, the colour is dense, ruby in their early years, turning garnet as they age. On the nose, the wine gives off notes of red fruit (cherry, strawberry) and black fruit (blackcurrant, blueberry, blackberry) and with time of candied fruit. Time brings more spices, woody, slightly smoky aromas. In the mouth, the wines are rich, fleshy, very structured, with a lot of substance and power. The balance between the freshness of the fruit and the structure of the tannins marks the typicality of this wine.Vacqueyras rosés
To the eye, these wines are a very soft, coral pink with golden highlights. The nose is fruity, fragrant, greedy and full of freshness, with notes of redcurrant and strawberry. This rosé has a lot of body and length, a true table rosé, it evokes aromas of white fruits like peach.White Vacqueyras
To the eye, the white wines are light yellow, with great brilliance, and green reflections of great brilliance. On the nose, the intensity of these wines is very appreciable. The nose is floral, giving off beautiful notes of acacia, broom and citrus. On the palate, the freshness of these wines is impressive, mostly very fruity and full, with aromas of citrus and exotic fruits. The oak-aged whites even have aromas of vanilla and butter.What are the great vintages of AOC Vacqueyras
The 2001, 2005 and 2009 vintages are often referred to as the mills of the millennium! More recently, the 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 vintages are also really successful vintages that will offer you some great tastings.
What to serve with a bottle of Vacqueyras?
The reds go very well with fairly strong meats such as game, lamb, pheasant, or even lasagna and cheeses. The whites are perfect as an aperitif, and go very well with grilled fish, as well as Asian cuisine, especially coconut milk. Rosés are good companions for cold meats, grilled meats, marinated vegetables or spicy and spicy dishes.
The Vacqueyras domains to discover
Domaine Fontaine Du Clos
Céline and Jean-François Barnier are in charge of this family estate, where they work between modernity and tradition to offer generous wines. This cuvée is perfectly representative and typical of the Vacqueyras appellation.Domaine Font Sarade
The estate extends over 35 hectares and many prestigious appellations of the Rhone Valley, on which many varieties of grapes are grown with respect to tradition and terroir. This cuvée is particularly well-balanced, with notes of black fruits.
Vallée du Rhône appellations
Château-Grillet
Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages Chusclan
Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages Laudun
Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages Massif-d'Uchaux
Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages Plan-de-Dieu
Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages Sablet
Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages Séguret
Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages Signargues
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