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Vacqueyras

From Vinopedia

Vacqueyras is an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) of the Southern Rhône in France, known primarily for robust red wines based on Grenache blends. The appellation gained official recognition in 1990, becoming one of the more prestigious crus of the Rhône Valley.[1]

Historical context

Viticulture in Vacqueyras can be traced back to the Roman period, with continuous cultivation through the Middle Ages under monastic and local seigneurial influence.[2] For centuries the wines were sold under the broader Côtes du Rhône designation, later gaining recognition as Côtes du Rhône Villages with a geographic name. In 1990, Vacqueyras was promoted to full AOC status, following the earlier elevation of neighbouring Gigondas.[3] This marked its establishment among the Rhône crus alongside Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Geography and terroir

Vacqueyras lies at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, a limestone mountain chain that shapes the local climate and vineyard exposures. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers, moderated by the mistral wind, which helps reduce disease pressure and enhances grape ripening.[4]

Soils vary across the appellation, combining stony alluvial terraces with clay-limestone slopes. These variations support different grape expressions: Grenache thrives on the stony terraces, while Syrah and Mourvèdre perform well in the cooler clay-limestone sites.[5]

Grape varieties and wine styles

Red wines dominate production, representing more than 90% of output. They are typically blends led by Grenache, supported by Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault.[6] Vacqueyras reds are known for their structure, moderate tannins, and spiced, often earthy notes, capable of ageing for a decade or more.

While less common, Vacqueyras also produces white and rosé wines. Whites may include Clairette, Grenache blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier, often showing floral and stone-fruit aromas. Rosés are generally made from Grenache and Cinsault, offering a lighter expression but still marked by the appellation’s Mediterranean character.[7]

Winemaking and classification

Appellation rules stipulate relatively low yields and a minimum alcohol level, designed to preserve concentration and typicity.[8] Producers employ both traditional and modern winemaking techniques, ranging from extended maceration and concrete fermentation to ageing in large foudres or smaller oak barrels.

As an AOC cru, Vacqueyras occupies a recognised position within the Rhône hierarchy, considered a step above Côtes du Rhône Villages and just below the most celebrated appellations such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
  2. ↑ Livingstone-Learmonth, The Wines of the Rhône, Infinite Ideas, 2019.
  3. ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019.
  4. ↑ Syndicat des Vignerons de Vacqueyras, “Appellation Vacqueyras”, vacqueyras.tm.fr.
  5. ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
  6. ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019.
  7. ↑ Syndicat des Vignerons de Vacqueyras, “Appellation Vacqueyras”, vacqueyras.tm.fr.
  8. ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
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