The Vacqueyras blanc AOC 2021 in magnum from Domaine d'Ouréa combines the alpine freshness of the southern Rhône with impressive Mediterranean structure and cool minerality.
Bottler: Domaine d'Ouréa, Fontbonne, 84190 Vacqueyras / France
In the glass
Colour
Pale straw yellow with vibrant highlights.
Nose
Fully ripe yellow fruit of quince, pear, and Charentais melon, refined with citrus notes, orange blossom, and herbal spice such as fennel and aniseed.
Palate
Taut and disciplined on the palate, shaped by Mediterranean garrigue spice with bay leaf and thyme, leading into a saline, cool finish.
Character
Structurally powerful, fresh, and of sublime elegance, shaped by the cool high-altitude sites of the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Pairing
Rabbit confit with herbs de Provence, bean and potato cassoulet, or ribollita with frutti di mare.
Notes
Rare white wine cuvée from a tiny 0.3-hectare parcel of blue and yellow clay, whole-bunch pressed and aged in concrete tanks.
Tasting note
Colour & Appearance
Pale straw yellow with vibrant, luminous highlights in the glass.
Nose
An olfactory feast reminiscent of a Southern French market: mature aromas of pear, quince and juicy Charentais melon emerge, supported by refreshing citrus notes of green mandarin and fragrant orange blossom. Savoury tones of fennel, aniseed and chervil meet jasmine, adding intrigue and complexity to the bouquet.
Palate
On the palate, the wine presents itself as remarkably disciplined and focused. Instead of opulent fruit, taut precision and pure herbal spice take centre stage. Notes of bay leaf, wild thyme and olive leaves evoke the Southern French garrigue. A cool minerality lends texture, grip and structure.
Finish
A long, taut and saline finish, supported by crisp acidity, leaving a lasting impression of incredible drive.
Terroir & Origin
Adrien Roustan sources the grapes for this white Vacqueyras from a tiny single vineyard plot measuring just 0.30 hectares. The east-facing slope is defined by blue and yellow clay. The high elevation of Domaine d’Ouréa in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail brings cool nights, which preserve the freshness and vitality of the vines in the hot southern Rhône.
Grape Variety & Winemaking
A blend of 80% Clairette and 20% Bourboulenc. The grapes are hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed. Fermentation takes place spontaneously using indigenous yeasts. Maturation lasts six months exclusively in concrete tanks, entirely untouched by new oak, to capture the pure expression of the terroir. Bottling in the 1500ml magnum provides ideal conditions for graceful ageing and the preservation of freshness.
Food Pairings
An excellent match for rabbit confit with Herbes de Provence, lemon zest and a baby artichoke salad, a hearty seafood Ribollita, or a vegetarian bean and potato Cassoulet infused with summer savoury and black olives.
Key Characteristics
This rare white appellation from Vacqueyras displays a fascinating, almost alpine freshness in this vintage. A grand, understated white wine from the Southern Rhône, whose ageing potential is further enhanced by the magnum bottle.
