{"title":"Vacqueyras","description":"\u003ch2\u003eVacqueyras wine: the southern Rhône cru below the Dentelles de Montmirail\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVacqueyras sits in the southern \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/rhone\"\u003eRhône\u003c\/a\u003e, on the left bank of the Ouvèze river, with the jagged limestone peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail rising behind it. The appellation covers just two communes, Vacqueyras and Sarrians, and borders \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/gigondas\"\u003eGigondas\u003c\/a\u003e. The village was allowed to add its name to Côtes du Rhône Villages labels in 1967 and was promoted to a cru of its own in 1990. That made Vacqueyras the second village of the southern Rhône, after Gigondas, to move up from Villages status to its own appellation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost of the vines grow on broad terraces covered in rounded river stones, the galets roulés, over clay, limestone and sand. The stones hold the heat of the day into the night, and the mistral keeps the grapes healthy and dry. The result is ripe, concentrated wine that still keeps an edge of freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre: what Vacqueyras red wine tastes like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vast majority of Vacqueyras is red. The rules call for at least 50 percent \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/grenache\"\u003eGrenache\u003c\/a\u003e, with \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/syrah-shiraz\"\u003eSyrah\u003c\/a\u003e and Mourvèdre together making up at least 20 percent. Expect a full, dark red with black cherry, blackberry, black pepper and garrigue, the dry wild herbs of the Provençal scrubland. The tannins are firm but rarely harsh. Next to its neighbour Gigondas, which is often tighter in its youth, Vacqueyras tends to feel a little more open and generous early on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe appellation also allows white wine and a small amount of rosé. White Vacqueyras is made from Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier, and it is a rarity worth seeking out: round, spicy and scented with peach, aniseed and white flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eVacqueyras from Clos des Cazaux, Château des Tours and more\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClos des Cazaux belongs to the Archimbaud-Vache family, whose roots in Vacqueyras go back to the eighteenth century. Their Templiers is a classic, Grenache-led red, while Vieilles Vignes is the estate's oak-aged white Vacqueyras from old vines, led by Clairette with Roussanne and Viognier in the blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChâteau des Tours lies in Sarrians, inside the appellation, and is run by Emmanuel Reynaud, the man behind Château Rayas in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. He bottles without fining or filtration, and his Vacqueyras 2017 already has several years of bottle age behind it. Alongside these you'll find La Grande Terre from Roucas Toumba and the white Blanc Thomas from Labadens. If you want to step up in power and structure, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chateauneuf-du-pape\"\u003eChâteauneuf-du-Pape\u003c\/a\u003e is the natural next move.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFood pairing with Vacqueyras: lamb, game and Provençal stews\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Vacqueyras wants food with flavour. Pour it with roast leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic, a slow-cooked daube, grilled sausages or game such as venison and wild boar. It also handles hearty vegetable dishes built on aubergine, olives and tomato. Serve it at 16 to 18°C and decant a young bottle. White Vacqueyras suits chicken with tarragon, grilled fish with fennel and aged goat's cheese.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eVacqueyras wine FAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat kind of wine is Vacqueyras?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVacqueyras is a cru appellation in the southern Rhône. Most of it is red wine based on Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre, but white wine and a little rosé are made too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the difference between Vacqueyras and Gigondas?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two villages sit side by side and use the same grapes. Gigondas has more vineyards high on the slopes and often gives tighter wines, while Vacqueyras is usually more open and warm when young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs there white Vacqueyras?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. White Vacqueyras is a small part of production, made from grapes such as Clairette, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Viognier. It is full and spicy with gentle acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow long can you age Vacqueyras red wine?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost red Vacqueyras drinks well after three or four years and keeps comfortably for eight to ten. The best old-vine cuvées can go further, developing leather, dried fruit and truffle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","products":[{"product_id":"roucas-toumba-vacqueyras-la-grande-terre-2024","title":"Roucas Toumba Vacqueyras La Grande Terre 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eRoucas Toumba Vacqueyras La Grande Terre 2024 is a Rhône red that brings together Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah in a classic Southern French blend. From Vacqueyras, one of the most respected appellations in the Southern Rhône, it offers the kind of depth, spice and structure that makes this style so appealing for lovers of full-bodied, terroir-driven wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExpect a deep ruby colour with ripe dark-berry fruit and a vivid, aromatic lift. The nose typically leans toward black cherry, plum, wild herbs and peppery spice, with the garrigue character of the Southern Rhône adding a savoury, sun-baked edge.\n\nOn the palate, the wine is likely to be generous and layered, with Grenache bringing warmth and red fruit, Mourvèdre contributing structure and earthy depth, and Syrah adding freshness, spice and colour. It should show a long, satisfying finish and has the concentration to develop well over the next few years, gaining complexity with short- to medium-term cellaring.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVacqueyras sits on a terroir of sun-drenched Mediterranean climate, with stony soils and strong diurnal influence that help ripen grapes fully while preserving freshness. The blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah is a hallmark of the region, and the grapes are typically harvested at optimal maturity before being vinified separately to protect each variety’s character and balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis wine is a natural match for grilled lamb, roasted duck, beef stew, game, and Mediterranean dishes with herbs and olives. Serve it at around 16–18°C, and consider decanting for 30–60 minutes if you want the aromas to open up and the tannins to soften.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRoucas Toumba is a respected Vacqueyras producer known for expressive wines rooted in the character of the Southern Rhône. The estate focuses on traditional regional varieties and a style that balances richness, spice and freshness, helping to showcase why Vacqueyras has become such an important name in Rhône red wine.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Roucas Toumba","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54252628541777,"sku":"PS-15963910472060","price":27.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/RoucasToumbaVacqueyrasLaGrandeTerreR.png?v=1783445493"},{"product_id":"chateau-rayas-chateau-des-tours-vacqueyras-2017","title":"Chateau Rayas, Château des Tours Vacqueyras 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003eChâteau des Tours Vacqueyras 2017 comes from the legendary Rayas family, offering a distinctly refined take on Southern Rhône red wine. Known for its balance of elegance and depth, it reflects the same understated craftsmanship that has made Château Rayas one of France’s most admired names.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, it typically shows a deep ruby color with a polished, inviting sheen. The nose is expressive and layered, often hinting at dark berries, garrigue, spice, and subtle earthy tones, while the palate tends to combine ripe fruit with fine tannins and a fresh, lifted finish.\n\nThe wine’s style leans toward finesse rather than power, with enough structure to develop gracefully over time. While already appealing in its youth, the 2017 vintage should also reward a few years of cellaring, gaining nuance and complexity as it evolves.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProduced in Vacqueyras in the Southern Rhône, the wine benefits from a warm Mediterranean climate tempered by the region’s stony soils and natural ventilation, which help preserve freshness in the grapes. Château des Tours is known for a restrained, traditional approach to vineyard work and vinification, aiming to capture purity of fruit and a clear sense of place.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis wine pairs beautifully with roast lamb, duck, grilled meats, ratatouille, and dishes with herbs de Provence or olives. Serve at around 16–18°C, and decanting for 30–60 minutes is recommended if drinking young to allow the aromas to open fully.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChateau Rayas is one of the most iconic names in the Rhône, celebrated for its rare, sought-after wines and a long-standing commitment to artisanal winemaking. Château des Tours is part of the same family estate and shares that reputation for authenticity, making it a respected reference point for Rhône lovers worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chateau Rayas","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54252638634321,"sku":"PS-15984010428796","price":206.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/987987987.png?v=1783445573"},{"product_id":"labadens-vacqueyras-blanc-thomas-2021","title":"Labadens, Vacqueyras Blanc Thomas, 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eLabadens Vacqueyras Blanc Thomas 2021 is a distinctive Rhône white from one of the region’s smallest and most characterful white wine appellations. Built on Clairette, with Grenache Blanc and Viognier adding richness and perfume, it revives an old local style with plenty of texture, fruit, and floral lift.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePale gold in the glass, this white wine opens with an expressive nose of white flowers, ripe stone fruit, citrus peel, and a gentle herbal edge. On the palate it is broad and generous, with a creamy, almost oily texture balanced by fresh fruit and a lively floral character; think ripe pear, peach, and hints of acacia and fennel.\n\nThe wine is made for those who enjoy a fuller-bodied white with plenty of flavour and character. While already very appealing in its youth, it should also hold well for a few years, gaining extra complexity and a deeper, more rounded profile over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVacqueyras in the southern Rhône is a warm, sun-filled terroir where white wine production remains limited, making this bottling something of a regional speciality. The wine is mainly based on Clairette, a traditional but demanding variety, supported by Grenache Blanc and Viognier to add volume, perfume, and a more open, approachable style. The result is a wine that reflects both the old traditions of the area and a thoughtful modern blending approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eServe this wine with grilled fish, shellfish, roast poultry, or creamy vegetable dishes, and it is also a great match for a well-stocked French cheese board. Best enjoyed slightly chilled, around 10-12°C, and decanting is generally not necessary unless you want to give it a little extra air and aromatic lift.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabadens is a producer that clearly values regional identity and traditional grape varieties, bringing lesser-seen styles back into the spotlight. By working with Clairette in Vacqueyras and blending it with complementary Rhône varieties, the producer shows a strong commitment to authenticity and character. While not among the most famous names of the Rhône, Labadens stands out for offering wines with a strong sense of place and a distinctive, old-school charm.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Labadens","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54255772696913,"sku":"OS-277121","price":21.57,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/277121_trans_c207b82a-717d-4a63-8b0f-18b7d31901ea.png?v=1783461714"},{"product_id":"clos-des-cazaux-vacqueyras-blanc-vieilles-vignes-2018","title":"Clos Des Cazaux Vieilles Vignes 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eClos Des Cazaux Vacqueyras Blanc Vieilles Vignes 2018 is a refined white Rhône blend crafted from old vines of Clairette, Roussanne and Viognier, grown on some of the most characterful terroirs around Vacqueyras. This cuvée offers a striking mix of freshness and depth, with layered aromatics and a textured palate that speaks clearly of its southern Rhône origins. For lovers of serious, food‑friendly white wine, it’s an excellent alternative to the better‑known whites of Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape at a more approachable price point.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2018 Vacqueyras Blanc Vieilles Vignes shows a luminous pale gold color with subtle green reflections, deepening slightly with a few years of bottle age. Swirl the wine and you’ll find an expressive nose of white peach, ripe pear and apricot, intertwined with notes of acacia blossom, citrus zest, fennel, and a hint of honeyed almond and wet stone.\n\nOn the palate, this is generously textured yet beautifully balanced, combining the breadth of Roussanne and Viognier with the linear backbone of Clairette. Expect stone fruits, juicy citrus, and ripe orchard fruit layered with hints of garrigue herbs, anise, and a light salinity that keeps the finish long and refreshing. The 2018 vintage offers immediate pleasure now, but the structure and concentration from old vines give it the potential to evolve gracefully for 5–8 years from vintage, developing more nutty, honeyed, and waxy complexity over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe grapes for Clos Des Cazaux Vacqueyras Blanc Vieilles Vignes come from old vineyards around Vacqueyras, just below the dramatic Dentelles de Montmirail in the southern Rhône. Here, stony, well‑drained soils and a warm Mediterranean climate are moderated by the Mistral wind, which helps preserve freshness and healthy fruit. The estate’s parcels near the winery provide classic Vacqueyras ripeness, while higher, rock‑strewn sites in the Montmirail massif contribute extra tension and minerality. Old vines deliver naturally low yields and high concentration; the grapes are carefully harvested—often by hand—to ensure optimal ripeness and selection. In the cellar, the varieties are vinified with gentle pressing and cool fermentation to protect aromatic intensity, with élevage in stainless steel and\/or neutral vessels on fine lees to add texture and complexity without overwhelming the fruit with oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Vacqueyras Blanc shines at the table, pairing beautifully with rich seafood such as scallops, lobster, seared monkfish or grilled prawns, as well as roasted poultry, veal in cream sauces, and refined vegetable dishes like truffle risotto or fennel gratin. Its aromatic profile and texture also make it a strong match for Provençal cuisine, aromatic Asian dishes with moderate spice, and semi‑soft cheeses such as Comté, Tomme or aged goat’s cheese. Serve at 10–12°C to showcase both freshness and complexity. A brief decant of 15–20 minutes in a carafe can help the wine open up its full aromatic range, especially if enjoyed within the first few years after release.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDomaine Le Clos des Cazaux is a long‑established family estate situated just below the village of Vacqueyras, with sweeping views over its own vineyards and the jagged peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The domaine farms prime parcels around the winery for its Vacqueyras wines, as well as high‑altitude, stone‑strewn plots in the Montmirail massif that are the source of its acclaimed Gigondas bottlings. Known for consistently high quality across the range, Clos des Cazaux is often cited as a benchmark producer in both appellations, producing wines that combine southern Rhône generosity with clarity, precision and a strong sense of place.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54256217784657,"sku":"VHR0078","price":24.59,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/Hvidvin-frankrig-rhone-vacqueyras-blanc-v-v-clairette-roussanne-viognier-dom-le-clos-des-cazaux-135-75cl-vinogvelsmag.png?v=1783463079"},{"product_id":"clos-des-cazaux-vacqueyras-templiers-2023","title":"Clos des Cazaux Vacqueyras Templiers 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eClos des Cazaux Vacqueyras Templiers 2023 is a generous and characterful red from the southern Rhône, crafted from Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Richly coloured, aromatic and structured, it combines ripe Mediterranean fruit with spice and elegant tannins—an expressive example of Vacqueyras with excellent versatility at the table.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe wine shows a deep ruby colour with attractive purple highlights. Its expressive bouquet opens with aromas of blackberry and cherry, complemented by dried herbs and warm spices. On the palate, Syrah makes a distinctive impression, bringing substance, depth and a savoury character, while the generous fruit and polished tannins create a balanced, harmonious finish.\n\nThe 2023 is approachable in its youth, with ample fruit and well-integrated structure. It should gain added complexity over the coming years as the fruit, spice and tannins knit together further, while older vintages may benefit from decanting before serving.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe vineyards are surrounded by strips of Mediterranean vegetation and hedges, helping preserve local fauna and biodiversity. Grassed rows are retained where possible to limit erosion and encourage natural soil aeration and microbial life, while compost and five-year plantings of legumes and grasses are used to regenerate the soil during vineyard renewal. The estate is certified for high environmental value and has followed responsible farming practices since 2008. Specific harvesting and vinification details for this vintage are not provided.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA natural partner for richly flavoured dishes, this Vacqueyras works especially well with wild boar terrine, spiced beef carpaccio or truffle brouillade. For a main course, serve it with lamb chops, grilled steak with ceps, flank steak, duck breast or guinea fowl with chestnuts. It also complements dry goat’s cheeses, including varieties matured in olive oil. Serve at 16–18°C; decant older vintages to allow their aromas and texture to open fully.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDomaine Le Clos des Cazaux is a Rhône producer committed to biodiversity, soil health and responsible vineyard management. The estate’s vineyards are protected by hedges and Mediterranean vegetation, with sustainable soil practices designed to support the local ecosystem and maintain long-term vineyard vitality. Its responsible farming certification, held since 2008, reflects the domaine’s commitment to recognised French and European standards for vineyard work, winemaking practices, employee safety and working conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54673376510289,"sku":"VRR0287-23","price":26.94,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}]}],"url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/collections\/vacqueyras.oembed","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}