Vacqueyras is located in the Southern Rhône and is the municipality that most recently received its own appellation. It happened in 1990 and left many of the other good Côtes du Rhône Villages communes like Cairanne or Rasteau wondering.
50% of Vacqueyra's production comes from cooperatives, and there are said to be 130 out of 160 winegrowers as members. Vacqueyras and Gigondas are only a few kilometers apart, and the wines also resemble each other, although the Vacqueyras wines are generally more raw and robust.
The Grenache grape is dominant, and at the expense of Cinsault and Carignan (the old grapes), more and more Syrah and Mourvedre are planted. A little Rosé and white wine is produced, but virtually all wine is red.
Soil:
The soil consists of clay and lime, and is covered with round stones that come from the river. The stones are heated by the sun and therefore retain heat throughout the night.
Grapes:
The wine is made from 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cincault and Carignan
The taste:
The wine has a deep color, with spicy aromas and a silky smooth taste. Fine structure, with a strong body. The wine goes perfectly with hearty meat dishes, red meat with a stronger sauce, and well-aged cheeses.
Storage potential:
Should be re-poured an hour before or stored for approx. 10 years from the harvest year.