Winemaker Notes
The ideal match for this wine is a leg of venison with sauteed potatoes with onions and garlic.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
From an eight-hectare plot, located near Sarrians, and a warmer terroir, the 2012 Famille Perrin Vacqueyras les Christins is a co-fermented blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Harvested together, based off when the Grenache is fully ripe, the Syrah at this point is mostly overripe. This shows and the wine has an exotic quality, with hints of plum, purple fruit, licorice, pepper and violets all emerging from the glass. Medium to full-bodied, voluptuously texture and with good freshness, it’s an interesting, character-filled wine to drink over the coming 7-8 years or so. Range: 89-91
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.