Vacqueyras
Vacqueyras
Easier to say than to spell, the southern Rhone appellation of Vacqueyras was upgraded from Cotes-du-Rhone Villages status in 1990, thanks to its consistent production of excellent quality wines. Like its well-known neighbours Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, the red wines of Vacqueyras are typically made using Grenache as the dominant blend component. Unlike Gigondas, where a minimum 80 percent of the finished wine must be Grenache, in Vacqueyras this is reduced to 50 percent, with Syrah and Mourvedre making up the other components. This blend of grapes, known as a 'GSM', is often emulated in wineries across the world. The best vineyards of Vacqueyras are on the steep slopes of the foothills around the village, and the hot, dry Mediterranean climate, south-east exposure and free-draining limestone soils help the fruit develop full flavour and optimum ripeness. Vacqueyras wines are typically bold, expressive, and thanks to their up-and-coming nature, great value.
