Vacqueyras

Vacqueyras was the second Côtes du Rhônes Villages to be upgraded to AOC status (after Gigondas) in 1990 and rightly so. These excellent value wines are like turbo-charged Côtes du Rhônes: dark, rich wines with the classic herbs and warm peppery spice of the Southern Rhône. 

Compared to neighbouring Gigondas they are slightly more restrained and rustic - in the best sense of the word - and slightly cheaper. They are made from slightly less Grenache (50% minimum) with the balance made up with Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault.

You should give Vacqueyra 2-3 years to come round but they can then last up to a decade. The 770ha of vineyards spread across the communes of Vacqueyras and Sarrians in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail and produce almost exclusively red wines. The small amount of fresh, fruity rosé is normally well worth the search, while the tiny amount of white wine is mostly not.

Recommended Producer: La Bastide de St. Vincent, Montirius