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Explore the Best Wineries in Vacqueyras

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Vacqueyras is one of the newest appellations in the Southern Rhone wine region of France, located along the banks of the river Ouveze. Although the winemaking history extends back to the 1st century BC, the area was given AOC classification in 1990. Vacqueyras is derived from the Latin phrase valléa quadreria, which means "rock valley." In terms of production, the area is France's smallest wine appellation. Vacqueyras is a lesser-known wine area in France, but its wines are packed with a lot of amazing characters that won't break the bank. Red wines predominate in the region, with rose and white wines accounting for a small portion of the output.

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Where is the Vacqueyras wine region?

Vacqueyras is a wine-growing district in the southern Rhone region of Provence, in the far north. The area is the younger sibling of the famed Chateauneuf du Pape in the southwest. Gigondas borders the region to the northeast, Beaumes des Venice to the east, and sections of Cotes du Rhone to the south and southwest. The location is colder since it goes along the Ouveze River. The area is situated at the base of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The most prominent Vacqueyras vineyard is located on the high slopes facing southwest.

History of the Vacqueyras wine region

Winemaking in the region dates back to Roman times but the most recent mention of the wines from Vacqueyras was in the 15th century. The region used to produce wines under Cotes du Rhone in 1937 then it was promoted to Cotes du Rhone villages finally receiving its own AOC in 1990. 

While the tradition of Rhône Valley winemaking can be traced back to the Romans in the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C., archival evidence supports the belief that Vacqueyras winemaking began in the 15th century A.D. However, it was not until the 20th century that Vacqueyras was ultimately added to the Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages AOCs, respectively.

The terroir and geography of the Vacqueyras wine region

Vacqueyras has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and pleasant winters, but it is frequently buffeted by severe mistral winds. The terrain is extremely comparable to Gigondas, and the vineyard is located at an elevation of 330-1310 feet above sea level. The soil is pebbly with alluvial soils that are rich in sandy clay. The majority of the vineyards are located at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains, surrounded by scrubland plateaus and lowlands. Soils contribute to the wine's robust flavor. Pebbles, fine sands, clay, marl, saffron, sandstone, gravel, and white limestone are examples of other soils.

Popular grape varieties from the Vacqueyras wine region

In the area, red wines predominated, accounting for around 97% of the total output. The major grape varietals used to make red wines are Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvedre. Clairette is the most common white variant. Among the other grape types are Carignan, Cinsault, Counoise, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier. Vacqueyras red wine is underappreciated, despite the fact that it is on par with Chateauneuf du Pape. These wines have the same impact as Chateauneuf du Pape but are less expensive.

Food to pair with Vacqueyras wine 

Grilled Portobello mushrooms

The sole distinction between white button mushrooms and portobello mushrooms is that the latter is older. When compared to younger white mushrooms, these are brown and massive. Portobello mushrooms are coated with the marinade, oil, and seasonings on both sides before grilling the cap side down until slightly browned. Lemon juice, cheese, or vinaigrette are frequent meal additions. These portobello mushrooms' meaty flavors go well with medium to full-bodied wines. With Vacqueyras wine, serve.

Ribeye steak

The ribeye is a tender and flavorful boneless rib chunk. It is obtained from the gently treated upper rib cage area and has marbled fat, which adds to its flavor and rapid cooking properties. Rib eye is one of the best steaks for pan-searing because it brings out its robust, exquisite flavor.

A rich and creamy béarnaise sauce and certain potato side dishes can be served with a rib-eye steak. Pair with your favorite red Vacqueyras.

Bœuf bourguignon

Beef bourguignon is a slow-cooked beef stew prepared with Burgundy wines that is popular in French cuisine. The dish includes ingredients such as beef, onion, carrots, celery, and flour. The beef is sautéed in butter or oil before being mixed with the remaining ingredients. Boeuf bourguignon is typically served with mashed potatoes or noodles.

The usage of wine explains the name of this meal, which is not traditional Burgundy cuisine. The dish was first recorded in 1867 and was commonly made using leftover meat. The dish was recognized as a Burgundian delicacy at the start of the twentieth century.

Because of the lengthy cooking time, the dinner tastes rich, complex, and substantial. The robust Vacqueyras wines pair well with this meal.

Places to visit in the Vacqueyras wine region

Castle Hill in Nice

Castle Hill is a must-see attraction in Nice, France. The major draw of the castle hill is the remnants of fortification walls, an artificial waterfall, and an elevator constructed into the mountain. This hill may be seen from the region that separates Nice's beach into eastern and western halves. The hill provides magnificent views of the entire town. The Greeks are said to have settled on this hill in about the 4th century. The city's heart, the castle, and the cathedral were erected in the 11th century. This castle served as a military citadel and was unfortunately demolished by Louis XIV in 1706. On this hill, a huge municipal park was erected, which has become a popular destination for residents. Explore this ancient site and take in a panoramic perspective of the city.

Musée Marc Chagall

This French national museum is located on Cimiez hill, near Nice's old town. The museum is dedicated to the work of painter Marc Chagall. Andre Hermant, a former partner of Auguste Perret, established the museum in 1973. Many of the artist's religiously inspired works were given. Around 400 paintings, gouaches, sketches, and pastels are on display. You may also see the museum's very first chamber, which displays the first twelve large-scale paintings illustrating the Old Testament, Genesis, and Exodus.

Frequently asked questions about Vacqueyras

Where is the Vacqueyras wine region located?

Vacqueyras is a wine-growing district in Provence's southern Rhone region, in the extreme north. The region is the younger brother of the renowned Chateauneuf du Pape in the southwest. Gigondas is bordered to the northeast by the region, to the east by the Beaumes des Venice, and to the south and southwest by sections of the Cotes du Rhone. Because it runs along the Ouveze River, the temperature is lower. The wine district is at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail.

What are the most famous wineries in this region?

Domaine De Chantegut

What are some of the best Vacqueyras wines that people should try?

Rayas Chateau des Tours Vacqueyras, Rhone, France
Domaine Le Sang des Cailloux Vacqueyras Cuvee Floureto, Rhone, France
Famille Perrin Vacqueyras Les Christins, Rhone, France
Pierre Amadieu Vacqueyras La Grangeliere, Rhone, France
Montirius Vacqueyras Le Clos, Rhone, France

What are the different kinds of grapes that grow in the Vacqueyras appellation?

Red wines predominated in the region, accounting for around 97% of total output. Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvedre are the most common grape varietals used to create red wines. The most frequent white variation is Clairette. Carignan, Cinsault, Counoise, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier are among the other grape varieties. Vacqueyras red wine is underappreciated, despite being comparable to Chateauneuf du Pape.

What kind of wine is a Vacqueyras?

Vacqueyras red wine is undervalued, despite being comparable to Chateauneuf du Pape. These wines have the same impact as Chateauneuf du Pape but at a lower price.
White wines display wonderful aromas of dried herbs, scrub brush, and lemon. The rose wines are much harder to come by in the international market as the production is relatively very low.

What are the characteristics of wines from Vacqueyras?

Vacqueyras wines are often full-bodied, rich, and concentrated. They exhibit flavors of dark fruits, spice, herbs, and sometimes earthy or gamey notes.

Are there any specific wine routes or trails to explore in Vacqueyras?

The Rhône Valley offers various wine routes and trails, including the Route des Vins des Côtes du Rhône, which passes through Vacqueyras and allows visitors to discover the vineyards and wineries in the area.

What food pairings work well with Vacqueyras wines?

Vacqueyras wines pair well with a range of hearty dishes, including grilled or roasted meats, game meats, stews, and aged cheeses. They can also be enjoyed with Mediterranean cuisine and flavorful herb-infused dishes.

Map of Wineries in Vacqueyras

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Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Vacqueyras