Winemaker Notes
Aromas of black fruits, lavender, wild herbs; flavors of black raspberries and light smoke. Smooth tannins; baking spices.
Pairs well with red meat, charcuterie laced with black pepper, and roasted pork with fresh herbs.
Blend: 55% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
Deep purple-colored, the 2017 Vacqueyras Tradition has a ripe, sexy, yet classic style. Loads of black (and some blue) fruits, garrigue, pepper, and hints of minerality give way to a deep, full-bodied Vacqueyras that has good acidity and length. The blend of the 2017 is 55% Grenache, 36% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre raised mostly in tank, with a small part in older barrels.
Range: 91-93
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.