Vacqueyras

After the recognition by decree of the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC in 1937, Vacqueyras was one of the first villages to be recognized for the quality of its wines, so much so that it was classified as Côtes du Rhône Vacqueyras in 1955, then decreed Côtes du Rhône Villages Vacqueyras in 1967. Vacqueyras was finally established as a local appellation in 1990. 

For the Vacqueyras wines For red wines, which account for 97% of production, the grape varieties used consist of at least 50% Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvèdre (at least 20%), with other Côtes du Rhône grape varieties, excluding Carignan, making up the remainder, up to a maximum of 10%. For rosés, which account for 1% of production, producers use Grenache (maximum 60%), Mourvèdre, and Cinsault (at least 15%). Finally, the Vacqueyras wines whites, which account for only 2% of production, Clairette, Grenache blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier are used, each of which must not exceed 80% of the vineyard. The wines offered by the Domaine are particularly noteworthy. The Blood of Stones, the Château des Tours or the House Perrin and Sons.

Vacqueyras AOC wine

The name of Vacqueyras, or Vaqueiras in Provençal, comes from the Latin Vallea quadreria, meaning "valley of stones." The last appellation in the Rhône Valley, covering the entire municipalities of Vacqueyras and Sarrians in the Vaucluse department, it is located in the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The reputation achieved by the Vacqueyras winegrowers is based primarily on the richness and purity of their red wines. Indeed, they always stand out for their intensity, freshness, and subtlety, which are unique to them.

History and origin of the Vacqueyras estate

The development of viticulture in the Rhône Valley region was made possible during Roman colonization, particularly around Orange between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. The ruins of a Roman villa have been discovered in the village of Vacqueyras. However, it should be noted that the earliest traces of viticulture in Vacqueyras actually date back to the Middle Ages. From 1414 onwards, the presence of vines in the village is attested to by the very first land registry in the Comtat Venaissin region. As early as 1448, there is mention of taxes levied on grape harvests and wine production in Vacqueyras. Following the revolution, the Comtat Venaissin wine estate, including the Vacqueyras estate, was annexed to France in 1791. Since 1937, the village of Vacqueyras has occupied the appellation area of the Rhone ValleyIt became part of the Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation area in 1955. In 1967, it became Côtes du Rhône Villages and was given the designation of commune.

Appearance

The Vacqueyras red wines They display a ruby color in their youth. As they age, they take on a darker hue. Rosé wines are enveloped in an intense pink color. In the case of white wines, the glass is filled with a bright golden color with greenish highlights.

Olfactory analysis

For red wine, aromas of red fruits such as blackcurrant and cherry emerge very early on, while aromas of cooked or candied figs develop during storage. These aromas are accompanied by spicy nuances (pepper, garrigue), accentuated notes (smoke) and sometimes hints of leather and game. In rosé wines, we find a range of citrus fruits, particularly grapefruit. In white wines, aromas of acacia and broom are prominent. This range has a fruity touch, similar to that of citrus fruits. They are characterized by a certain olfactory persistence.

Taste analysis

The reds are both majestic and refined. The tannins form a harmony that stands the test of time. As for the rosés, they are very fruity. The whites are sufficiently rounded and mature to take their place among the wines.