Official name Vacqueyras Size of planted vineyards 13 km² Year established 1990 | Country France Part of Rhône wine region Climate region Mediterranean climate | |
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Type Appellation d'origine contrôlée Other regions in Southern Rhone Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, Gigondas AOC, Lirac AOC Grapes produced Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Muscardin, Counoise, Clairette, Bourboulenc Wine produced 48,000 hectolitres (1,100,000 imp gal; 1,300,000 US gal) | ||
Vacqueyras is a French wine Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in the southern Rhône wine region of France, along the banks of the River Ouvèze.It is primarily a red wine region with some white and rosé wines being produced. Being a little brother of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and, arguably, Gigondas, the wine is moderately prestigious and can yield pleasing results when treated correctly.
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History
Wine has been produced in the region since the 15th century. However records are sparse, reduced to mentioning large vineyards and a decree on how to keep hungry goats away from the grapes. Vacqueyras received the A.O.C. Côtes du Rhône Decree appellation in 1937 and as late as 1990, Vacqueyras was granted its own AOC, the first in the region since Gigondas in 1971 and the first of a number of candidates for that particular honour, recently bestowed to Beaumes-de-Venise and Vinsobres.
Climate and geography
Located only a few kilometers south of Gigondas, Vacqueyras shares much of the same terroir with vineyards located in 100–400 metres (330–1,310 ft) altitude. The best vineyards are found on Plateau de Garrigues. In the lowland, warmer temperatures result in more powerful and often inelegant wines.
Grapes and wine
The bulk (97%) of the wine is red. The red wine can be much like the wines from Gigondas and at their best, the wines of Vacqueyras can match those of their northern sibling. Vacqueyras wines have been called "poor man's Châteauneuf-du-Pape."
Winemaking
Vacqueyras is, like Gigondas, known for its power rather than its elegance. The backbone of the wine is Grenache, however producers of Vacqueyras use more Syrah than is used in Gigondas which can make the style seem cooler.