Domaine de Montvac Vacqueyras Arabesque 2014
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Balance in elegance. A balance of flavors, with three complementary varieties: Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. The elegance of a delicate, thoroughbred structure that underscores a continuum of perceptions: presence, then roundness, and persistence.
A delicate companion for spiced white meats, roasted red meats, and a wide variety of sauced meats such as Daube Provençale and Blanquette de Veau.
Blend: 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre
Other Vintages
2020-
Jeb
Dunnuck
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Jeb
Dunnuck
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Wine
Spectator
This Domaine has been handed down from mother to daughter for four generations. Cecile Dusserre, being the latest and a mother of three daughters of her own, stands a good chance of carrying on tradition. Cecile has designed every aspect of the estate to maximize here fantastic terroir all the while with the least amount of intervention. She practices sustainable agriculture in her 25 hectares of vines. No chemical weeding agents are used and all treatments are stopped in July. The winery is entirely gravity fed so there is very little agitation of the juice or finished wine.
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.