Vacqueyras AOP

Vacqueyras, an intense wine from the Southern Rhône Valley

With their powerful yet fine tannins, their ripe and spicy nose and their freshness on the palate, it is the red wines that have made the reputation of this appellation in the Southern Rhône Valley. The whites and rosés are also of great quality, but remain very confidential. Sunny, colourful and generous, the Vacqueyras AOC wines reflect their different terroirs through wines carefully elaborated by winegrowers who are increasingly involved.

General presentation of the appellation Vacqueyras

The wines of the appellation are produced in the Vaucluse, around Vacqueyras and Sarrians. At the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, the AOC borders Gigondas and Beaumes-de-Venise. Situated on the left bank of the Ouvèze river and east of Orange, the 1,300 hectares of Vacqueyras vineyards belong to the southern Rhône Valley. The grape varieties used perfectly reflect this viticultural relationship.

Indeed, it is the black Grenache that dominates the Vacqueyras AOC. More than 50% of the red wines are made from this grape variety, with Syrah and Mourvèdre accounting for about 20%. Other emblematic grapes of the Côtes du Rhône are authorised, up to a limit of 10%: carignan, cinsault, counoise...

Representing only 2% of the production, the Vacqueyras rosés mainly mix Grenache noir with Mourvèdre and/or Cinsault. All the grape varieties of the AOC Côte du Rhône, with the exception of carignan, are authorised within a limit of 10%.

Only 1% of the production is devoted to white wines. These are essentially the result of a blend of white grenache, clairette, roussanne, bourboulenc, marsanne and viognier.

Characteristics of Vacqueyras

In red, the Vacqueyras offer a deep ruby red colour which darkens with the years. The nose is dominated by small red fruits (cherry, strawberry) and black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry), spices and liquorice. With time, the spices become more pronounced and are joined by notes of leather, game and even smoke. These are full-bodied, complex, powerful and rich wines, with a fresh and elegant mouth. These wines have an ageing potential of 8 years. The best vintages age for 10 years or more.

In white, Vacqueyras reveals a light yellow colour with green highlights. Its aromatic palette is essentially floral, with notes of acacia and broom. Hints of citrus fruit are not uncommon. These fresh, intense and tasty wines age on average 3 to 6 years.

A Vacqueyras rosé wine is distinguished by its deep, charming pink colour. Its nose is delicious and fragrant: grapefruit, wild strawberries, redcurrant, peach, nectarine... All of this on a background of garrigues which fully evokes sunny Provence. These rosé wines can be kept for 1-2 years.

How to taste a Vacqueyras

Ample, delicate and complex, the red Vacqueyras AOC are perfect with grilled red meat, game, lamb and cheeses with character. They are best served at a temperature of between 16 and 18°.

Served at 13-14°, white Vacqueyras are perfect for an unusual aperitif. They also go well with grilled fish and Asian cuisine.

Finally, Vacqueyras rosés can be enjoyed alongside a fine platter of charcuterie. They also go well with grilled meats, fish and dishes inspired by world cuisine. They should be served at between 10 and 12°C.