Vacqueyras rouge AOC 2021

Wine description for Vacqueyras rouge AOC 2021 by d’Ouréa

Colour & appearance

Translucent ruby red, of medium depth, allowing light to pass through and immediately signalling the Grenache character. A hint at the subtle approach: no concentration through extraction, but clarity through natural ripeness.

Nose

Here, Grenache speaks with a voice reminiscent of ripe raspberries, figs and wild strawberries. Yet these are joined by notes of liquorice, Provençal herbs and an unexpected earthy depth, adorned with dog rose. It is an aromatic profile threaded with stems and stalks – a character that reveals the use of whole bunches.

Palate

The wine moves with an impressive slenderness and simultaneous depth. The ancient vines lend it a balance that seems almost light – yet carries remarkable complexity. The tannins are fine and ripe, the acidity vibrant, and the entire structure pulses with a freshness that surprises in this southern region. A wine of both grace and presence.

Finish

Long and multi-layered. The fruit remains crisp and juicy, the minerality of the limestone conglomerate comes to the fore on the finish, and the stem notes lend a structural tension that extends far beyond the last drop.

Terroir & origin

Vacqueyras, home to Adrien Roustan’s estate, lies at up to 520 metres altitude on the south-facing slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The altitude is crucial – for every 100 metres of elevation, the temperature drops by one degree, and cool winds from the Dentelles preserve the grapes’ acidity and vitality. This is the highest vineyard in the appellation, and it shows.

Grape varieties & vinification

65% Grenache from old vines, complemented by 5% each of Cinsault, Carignan and Mourvèdre, along with 20% Syrah – southern grape varieties that take on a new dimension at these altitudes. The cellar work is radically minimalist: no destemming, no oenological additives, ageing in concrete rather than wood. The result is a wine that speaks of terroir, not technique.

Food pairing suggestions

A wine that harmonises beautifully with chicken à la Provençale – the herbal notes in the wine mirror those in the dish. It pairs equally well with grilled vegetables with olive oil and thyme, lamb with Mediterranean flavours, or goat’s cheese with honey and walnuts. Its structure and freshness also make it an ideal companion for charcuterie and mild tapas.