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Vacqueyras

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Vacqueyras
Appellation d'origine contrôlée Vacqueyras extends over the communes of Vacqueyras and Sarrians in the Vaucluse department, at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The vineyards of Vacqueyras is planted on alluvial soils and glacial terraces from the Riss (glacial period of the Quaternary era). It enjoys a warm, dry climate, with plenty of sunshine. 

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 Vacqueyras winemakers is 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 earliest 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, 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.
More information on the Vacqueyras

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Alain Jaume - Vacqueyras Grande Garrigue 2022

2*Étoiles Hachette

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91/100 James Suckling

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15,5/20 Jancis Robinson

spicy
black fruits
expressive

"A dense, elegant vintage".

"After 12 months of mixed ageing in vats and oak barrels, this pretty wine with its fresh notes of Morello cherry and spices charms with its balance on the palate, where it reveals itself to be both taut, silky and finely extracted, prolonged by an elegant bitterness tinged with aromatic herbs. A stimulating, well-flavored cuvée". (Le Guide Hachette 2025)

Domaine de La Verde - Odyssey 2022

92/100 James Suckling

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90-92/100 Jeb Dunnuck

balanced
citrus
fish

"An exquisite blend of Clairette and Bourboulenc".

"Vacqueyras Odyssey Blanc 2022 is a blend of 80% Clairette and 20% Bourboulenc. Ripe pineapple, honeyed lemon and baking spices define the aromas. The wine has a ripe, well-textured, balanced style that can only blossom in the bottle." (Jeb Dunnuck 2024)

Domaine de La Verde - Prélude 2023

93/100 James Suckling

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91/100 Jeb Dunnuck

(Vintage 2022 notes)
suave
coated tannins
red berries

"Fruity, elegant tannins and balance".

An excellent introduction to the world of "La Verde", Vacqueyras Prélude develops subtle aromas of red berries (redcurrant, raspberry, crushed strawberry), opening up to notes of violet and garrigue. Smooth and suave on the palate, with elegant, coated tannins and a long finish of morello cherry.

Le Sang des Cailloux - Vacqueyras Floureto 2022

Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5

4.3/5 (7 reviews)

90-92/100 Vinous

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91/100 Decanter

fleshy
material
black fruits

"A Vacqueyras like we love them!

"Vibrant and sexy, Vacqueyras Cuvée Floureto 2022 dazzles with aromas of violets, black cherry, black plum, garrigue and white pepper. It is made from early-harvested Grenache and Syrah grapes, with small touches of Mourvèdre and Cinsaut, all aged for ten months in old oak foudres. Very soft tannins frame this medium-bodied 2022, with the nervous tension characteristic of winemaker Frédéric Férigoule. The finish is refreshing" (Vinous 2023)

M. Chapoutier - Vacqueyras Avarum 2022

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3/5 (1 review)

92/100 James Suckling

(Vintage 2021 notes)
grenache
freshness
intensity
long finish

Mostly aged in concrete tanks, Avarum 2022, in the Vacqueyras appellation, is a blend of predominantly Grenache and Syrah. The nose is intense and generous, with notes of black fruits and spices. Fresh and rich on the palate, with silky, elegant tannins and a long, smoky finish. A real delight!

Xavier Vignon - Vacqueyras 2021

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3.5/5 (2 reviews)

92/100 James Suckling

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90/100 Decanter

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15/20 Jancis Robinson

grenache
balanced
ripe fruit
ribs
bio&bon

"Aromas of blackberries, black plums, bark and dried spices. Full body with firm tannins. Texture with a touch of blackberry on the palate. Slightly chewy, but overall balance remains. Dried herbs on the compact, spicy finish. 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Made from organic grapes. Best after 2023. (James Suckling 2023)

Le Sang des Cailloux - Vacqueyras Cuvée Azalaïs 2021

Wine rated 4.1/5Wine rated 4.1/5Wine rated 4.1/5Wine rated 4.1/5Wine rated 4.1/5

4.1/5 (12 reviews)

93/100 Decanter

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90/100 RVF

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91/100 James Suckling

(2020 vintage notes)
spicy
structured
prepared foods
biodynamics

"A Vacqueyras like we love them!

2021 is the year of Azalaïs (each year, this cuvée is named after one of the winemaker's three sisters)! A deep, dark-colored Vacqueyras that reveals a rich, powerful, ripe aromatic palette, with notes of plum, blueberry, spice and hints of fig. A very well-balanced, intense red, with good tannins and good substance, with a long, pleasant finish. A Vacqueyras like we love them!

Le Sang des Cailloux - Vacqueyras Doucinello 2020

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3.8/5 (6 reviews)

17/20 Jancis Robinson

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91/100 RVF

(Notes vintage 2017)
spicy
racy
cocoa

A pure delight for this very Mediterranean cuvée, 70% Grenache, complemented by Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault. The nose is racy, with aromas of spices and cocoa over a framework of ripe fruit. The palate is silky and balanced. As for the generous, round finish, it lingers for a long time. A sure bet!

Château Mazane - Vacqueyras 2017

92/100 James Suckling

concentrate
pulpy
game
bio&bon

"In 2017 this wine has very impressive balance and power with flowers, wild herbs, ripe red plums and cherries, on fresh fruit. The tannins are juicy and long." (James Suckling). A fine Vacqueyras!

Domaine de La Verde - Ora 2019

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4/5 (4 reviews)

91-93/100 Jeb Dunnuck

round-tipped
complex
suave

"Pure fruit

"A bigger, richer wine, the 2019 Vacqueyras Ora boasts a deeper purple color as well as an exceptional nose of ripe blackberry and redcurrant intermixed with plenty of garrigue, toasty spice, charcuterie and peppery notes. Medium- to full-bodied, it has a fat, opulent mid-palate with plenty of Provencal charm and will be impressive from the start." (Jeb Dunnuck 2020)

Le Sang des Cailloux - Vacqueyras Lopy 2019

Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5

4.5/5 (4 reviews)

93/100 RVF

(Notes vintage 2017)
grenache
spicy
concentrate
leather

"Avis aux amateurs de Vacqueyras" (Notice to Vacqueyras lovers)

This cuvée is based on a majority of old Grenache, selected from the estate's oldest vines and produced in small quantities. Excellent ripeness and low production yield a concentration of aromas centered on stewed black fruits. On the palate, this wine is dense and deeply textured. The finish lingers on notes of cocoa, leather and spices. Don't miss it!

Maison Perrin - Vacqueyras Les Christins rouge 2018

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3.5/5 (4 reviews)

92/100 Vinous

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89/100 Wine Spectator

grenache
spicy
black fruits

Produced on very clayey terroirs with Ouvèze gravel, Les Christins is a fine example of the expression of old Grenache from the southern Rhône. It delivers an impressive aromatic bouquet, tinged with black fruits and peppery spices. Powerful and full-bodied, it exhales notes of black olives and licorice, supported by a beautiful tension. A Vacqueyras of choice!

Le Sang des Cailloux - Vacqueyras Cuvée de Lopy 2017

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5/5 (1 review)

16,5/20 Bettane & Desseauve

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16,5/20 RVF

(2016 vintage notes)

"Avis aux amateurs de Vacqueyras" (Notice to Vacqueyras lovers)

This cuvée is based on a majority of old Grenache, selected from the estate's oldest vines and produced in small quantities. Excellent ripeness and low production yield a concentration of aromas centered on stewed black fruits. On the palate, this wine is dense and deeply textured. The finish lingers on notes of cocoa, leather and spices. Don't miss it!

Patrick Lesec - Vacqueyras 2016

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3.6/5 (16 reviews)

92/100 Robert Parker

"Mainly from the village of Sarrians, this 2016 Vacqueyras is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, fermented with around 60% whole clusters. Powerful and supple, it reveals lush hints of blackberry and chocolate, delicious aromas, through dry spices on a long finish. Drink over the next 4-5 years." (Wine Advocate - Robert Parker 2018)

Maison Perrin - Vacqueyras Les Christins blanc 2014

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3.5/5 (10 reviews)

Harvested in bright summer sunshine, the 3 white grape varieties express themselves through aromas of white fruit and sweet spices. On the palate, rich and balanced by a beautiful minerality, the finish is complex and dense, with subtle bitters. A very fine white Vacqueyras!