Vacqueyras

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

For Vacqueyras wines For reds, i.e. 97% of production, the grape varieties used are at least 50% Grenache noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre (at least 20%). Other Côtes du Rhône grape varieties, excluding Carignan, may be added up to a maximum of 10%. For rosés, which account for 1% of production, producers use Grenache (60% maximum), Mourvèdre and Cinsault (at least 15%). Finally, the Vacqueyras wines whites, which account for only 2% of production, include Clairette, Grenache blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier, each of which may not exceed 80% of the total. The Domaine's crus are particularly noteworthy Le Sang des Caillouxthe Château des Tours or the Maison Perrin et Fils.

Vacqueyras AOC wine

The name Vacqueyrasor Vaqueiras in Provençal, comes from the Latin Vallea quadreria, meaning valley of stones. This is the last appellation in the Rhône Valley, covering all the communes of the Vaucluse department, Vacqueyras and Sarrians, right in the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The notoriety achieved by winegrowers of Vacqueyras is essentially based on the richness and purity of their red wines. Indeed, they are always distinguished by an intensity, freshness and subtlety all their own.

History and origin of the Vacqueyras estate

The development of viticulture in the Rhône Valley area was made possible under 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, the oldest traces of winegrowing in Vacqueyras actually date back to the Middle Ages. From 1414, the presence of vines in the village is attested by the very first land register in the Comtat Venaissin region. As early as 1448, taxes were levied on grape harvests and wine production in Vacqueyras. Following the French Revolution, the Comtat Venaissin wine region, including the Vacqueyras estate, was annexed to France as early as 1791. Since 1937, the village of Vacqueyras has been part of the Comtat Venaissin appellation area. Côtes du Rhône. It became part of the Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation area in 1955. In 1967, it became Côtes du Rhône Villages and was given the name of a commune.

Appearance

Visit Vacqueyras red wines are ruby-colored when young. As they age, they take on a darker hue. Rosé wines are enveloped by an intense pink color. In the case of white wines, the glass is filled with a bright, golden color with green highlights.

Olfactory analysis

For red wines, red fruit aromas such as blackcurrant or cherry are released early on, while cooked or candied fig aromas emerge with age. These aromas are accompanied by spicy nuances (pepper, garrigue), accentuated notes (smoke) and sometimes accents of leather and game. In rosé wines, we find the repertoire of citrus fruits, notably grapefruit. White wines feature aromas of acacia and broom. A fruity touch emerges from this range, similar to that of citrus. They are characterized by a certain olfactory permanence.

Taste analysis

In red, they are both majestic and refined. The tannins form a harmony that withstands the weight of years. As for the rosés, they are very fruity. As for the whites, they have enough roundness and maturity to find their place among the top wines.