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Vacqueyras, the valley of stones (Vallea quadreria) and vineyards! The Vaucluse has some great surprises in store for you within its terroir. Winegrowers in Vacqueyras grow the classic grape varieties of this wine region, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault for the red wines, which account for the majority of production, and have acquired a well-deserved reputation.
Bourboulenc, Viognier and other grape varieties constitute the white wines. The 1400 hectares of vines of this appellation grow on pebbled, sometimes calcareous soils irrigated by the Ouvèze river. Summers and winters are dry and are accentuated by the breath of the Mistral, autumns and rainy springs. The reds can mature for up to 10 years, the confidential production of rosé and white wine is best drunk young.
The colour of the wine is ruby and crimson when young, and tends towards purple with age; the nose reveals notes of red fruits (cherry) and black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry), and sometimes liquorice. The wait allows the bouquet to open up: spices, smoke, leather, game... complete the range. Finally in the palate, the tannic and aromatic structure of the wine allows it to age and improve. A roundness and a remarkable finesse that reminds us of spices. As for the whites, they have fatness and freshness to be balanced, with a nose of floral nuances. Citrus aromas can be felt in rosé wines.
You will find the AOC Vacqueyras appelation in the department of Vaucluse. Stretching over 1,300 hectares, this vineyard is known for its production of red, white and rosé wines. However, its popularity is mainly due to its complex and intense red wines.
The communes of Vacqueyras and Sarrians are the producers of the Vacqueyras appellation. They are located near the Dentelles de Montmirail, in the north-west of the Vaucluse department. The village of Vacqueyras and its surroundings are made of small hills and terraces.
At the foot of the Dentelles, the AOC benefits from alluvial soils and glacial terraces of the Riss. The terroir is also composed of sandy-clayey parts with banks of rolled pebbles. These pebbles help to temper the vineyard during drought periods in the summer.
This part of the Vaucluse has a Mediterranean-type climate. Every year, winegrowers therefore have to face dry seasons occurring in winter and summer. During the winter period, it is shorter than during sunny days. Finally, there are the rainy seasons in spring and autumn (heavy and brutal rains).
Vacqueyras wine production is mainly composed of reds (more than 95%). To produce them, winegrowers plant a large quantity of Grenache Noir and a few Syrah and Mourvèdre vines.
For white wines, they transform white grenache, bourboulenc or clairette. Finally, rosé wines are made from grenache noir, mourvèdre and cinsault.
Vacqueyras wines are special. To live an oenological experience, you need to know their different characteristics. The reds from this production area are distinguished by their ruby colour.
As time goes by, they get darker and darker. When you smell this wine, you will be surprised by its notes of red fruits. This is a sign that it is only a year old. Later, aromas of cooked or candied fruit will appear. When you taste it, it is fine, rich and powerful.
White Vacqueyras have a pale golden hue with green highlights. On the nose, scents of broom and acacia followed by citrus notes are surprising. On the palate, this Vacqueyras wine is fresh and quite fat.
As for rosé wines, they can be recognized by their deep pink colour. This drink releases citrus aromas with a dominant note of grapefruit. Finally, on the palate, it exhales a mineral taste, a little reminder of the terroir and the surrounding scrubland.
Would you like to know more about Vacqueyras wines during your stay in the Vaucluse? Visit a winery. The Ouréa estate opens its doors to you. You will find it in the village of the same name. There you can visit the premises, learn more about wine production and enjoy a few drinks. You will also have the opportunity to purchase Vacqueyras wines.
To appreciate your purchases, cook a wide range of meals such as red meat, fish or deli meats. Vacqueyras appellations are the perfect companions to cod brandade, sautéed shrimp or flambéed prawns. If you want to eat red meat with this type of wine, try sweetened lamb with dates. It can also be combined with sheep kebabs or lamb navarin.
Your Vacqueyras wine purchase can also match vegetable dishes such as lentils with tomato or stuffed tomatoes. And remember that this type of drink can be enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 18 °C for reds and 12 and 14 °C for whites.