As the 2024 harvest gets underway, particularly for white grape varieties, we're taking some time to look at one region in particular: Vacqueyras!
Vacqueyras is an appellation that we love.
Historically, it's the 2nd cuvée we've produced, with our white Vacqueyras, Thomas!
Set between steep terraces, small wooded hills and a wide plateau of Garrigues, Vacqueyras comes in three colours. The Dentelles de Montmirail cliffs overlook the village and protect the region from the Mistral wind. The vineyards of Vacqueyras benefit from a diversity of soils and terroirs that give their wines a rich aromatic character.
Its name comes from the Latin Valléa Quadreria, meaning valley of stones, which gives an idea of the nature of the soils.
Although Vacqueyras whites account for only 4% of the appellation, we fell under the spell of Clairette, a very old grape variety, whose history dates back to Roman times, and which is one of the grape varieties authorised in the appellation along with Grenache blanc, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier. Each grape variety may not account for more than 80% of the blend.
Clairette, a much-loved grape variety ...
Clairette brings fresh aromas of aniseed, pear and subtle floral notes. Not very rich in acidity, it nevertheless holds up well in hot weather and its skin takes on golden hues in the sun.
Usually harvested after the Rhône black grape varieties, which means double work in the cellar, it has been neglected for some time.
But that was without counting on Thomas' motivation, who very soon after the start of the adventure sought to produce a white Vacqueyras, which bears his name!
In recent years, the harvest dates have been brought forward considerably, from mid-October to early September.
In our cuvées, it makes up the majority and blends perfectly with the white Grenache and Roussanne. Sometimes a touch of Viognier completes the blend.
Where do our Vacqueyras grapes come from?
Our grapes are planted in the ‘Garrigues Sud’ region on soils derived from Quaternary sediments, mainly limestone veined with clay.
On limestone, the wines develop a tight tannic structure and the clay adds more roundness. It is also very useful for storing rainwater - which is rare in the region - in the soil and feeding the vines.
Winemaking
We vinify it entirely in wooden barrels of several wines to allow the primary fruity and floral aromas to express themselves. The wine is aged for 10 months on fine lees to develop roundness on the palate.
Food & Wine pairing
Its fresh aromatic component combined with a round, silky texture makes it a chameleon wine that goes well with a wide range of dishes: vegetables such as fennel, poultry, fish cooked with fresh herbs such as dill and marjoram, or fresh goat's and ewe's cheeses.
We loved it with samossas with Chinese cabbage and fresh goat's cheese
The vintage currently available is 2022. It was an early vintage, marked by a very hot, dry season.
It has an intense nose with notes of citrus fruit, fennel, lime blossom and camphor. On the palate, it is spicy with notes of citrus fruit, menthol and candied pears, saffron, a complex wine with good length.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to order one.
