Winemaker Notes
Deep, intense hue. Aromas of fresh black fruit (a little meaty) with dried herbs. On the palate, the richness of the tannins harmonizes with the smoothness of the wine. The finish is long, with spicy aromas and licorice. A typical wine from this specific terroir called "Les Garrigues".
Blend: 65% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 5% Old vines Cinsault
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
Always a winner, the 2022 Vacqueyras Grande Garrigue is incredibly Provençal and complex, with beautiful red fruits, Provençal herbs, and spice notes in its medium to full-bodied, ripe, round, sexy profile. A blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, and 5% Mourvèdre, it was vinified in temperature-controlled tanks followed by aging in a mix of tanks and oak barrels (1-4 years old). Drink this incredibly satisfying Vacqueyras over the coming 8-10 years.
-
James Suckling
A well-built, spicy and textured Vacqueyras red with dark berries, currants, dried herbs and baking spices on the nose, following through to a full body with fine, firm tannins. Spicy and intense mid-palate with a compact finish. From organically grown grapes. Try after 2026.
-
Wine Enthusiast
The nose of this wine blossoms with juicy dark cherries, fresh blackberries, blueberries, and a hint of white peppercorns. On the palate, layers of baking spice and abundant stony minerality emerge, all balanced by a vibrant wave of acidity. This wine offers both depth and drinkability, making it easy to enjoy now.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
This charming appellation within the Côtes du Rhône Villages was second only to Gigondas to earn its own village appellation status. Its wines may be red, rosé or white—though hardly any is white. Its high winemaking standards follow many of the same rules as Chateauneuf-du-Pape. But for Vacqueyras red wines, half of the grapes have to be Grenache and the remainder is usually a combination of Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault.
While they can be robust and rustic in style, typically a great Vacqueyras red combines delicate aromas with intense fruit and a bright, crisp texture. They certainly don’t lack any character and show an abundance of black cherry, wild berry, plum, fig, baking spice, and a touch of game or smoke.