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What We Say 2009 Vacqueyras Cru AOC Rouge
EXCLUSIVE WINE ALERT:
Today’s southern Rhone classic is a very limited allocation exclusive and once sold out may not be available again so if you’re a fan, now is the time to stock up!
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Mission Codename: In the Shadow of the Dentelles de Montmirail
Operative: Agent White
Objective: Visit France’s southern Rhone and secure an exclusive allocation of a vin de garde from the Vacqueyras AOC.
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Domaine de Verquiere
Wine Subject: 2009 Vacqueyras Cru AOC Rouge
Backgrounder: The Vacqueyras AOC was granted full AOC status in 1990 and was formerly a village in the Cote du Rhone-Villages. Enthusiasts know that Vacqueyras is comparable in quality and style to the wines of the much better known Gigondas. AOC requirements indicate that these wines must be at least 50% Grenache and no more than 20% total of Syrah and Mourvedre; up to 10% of the other local grapes may also be included.
Today’s selection is 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault and was aged in large oak casks.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Dense and deep ruby red with a clear and purple hued intense robe. The color remains full to the very edges and when swirled fast, medium-thick legs descend first and then are followed by slower fat tears that hang on the side of the glass.
Smell – Tangy sweet and spiced red fruit including cherry and red plum blends with earthy and herbal undertones. A touch of menthol along with other herbal aromas and smokey oak hides just under the fruit.
Feel – This dry full-bodied wine is rich and tangy with finely grained youthful tannins and the distinct mineral character you expect from the region. Lively acidity and spice holds the red fruit tightly and cleanly.
Taste – Ripe and tangy red fruit including red cherry, tart raspberry and candied red fruit are framed by soft oak and wood notes along with earthy and spicy flavors. As this wine lingers on the palate flavors of cherry pit, smoke and graphite.
Finish – Long and lingering spiced and tangy red fruit lingers leaving behind cherry pit and herbal and toasted notes as the fruit fades. The mouth drying tannins and lively acidity begs for another sip.
Conclusion – The 2009 Domaine de Verquiere Vacqueyras Cru AOC Rouge is a delicious and classic example of the regions unique terroir. Plenty of tangy red fruit, along with green herbs, earthy notes, smokey oak and distinct regional minerality makes this wine a great for food-pairing. As this wine opens, it becomes smoother and warmer on the palate but still retains its etched terroir character. Drink now after decanting or cellar for the next three to five plus years.
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The approximate location of the Vacqueyras AOC can be seen in this satellite photo.
What the Winery Says
Domaine de Verquiere
About This Wine:
A strong ruby colour, this Vacqueyras is well balanced. It has a well developed bouquet of small red fruits and it pleasantly lingers on the palate. It can be kept up to 10 years.
Food Pairing: Discover our red Vacqueyras accompanied by meat, in sauce, with game or cheese.
Winemaking: Picking is all done by hand.
The temperature fermantation is controlled by a heat exchanger. The traditional fermentation on skins lasts from 10 to 12 days. Then the wine is aged in oak large casks, and 6 months will be necessary to mature it.
About The Winery:
Transmitted of wire father, the FIELD OF VERQUIERE has been directed today by Romain and Thibaut CHAMFORT who they ensure the continuity and development of family farms in accordance with the traditions. Passionate, their commitment also involves the conversion of vineyards in organic farming.
Domaine de Verquiere established its reputation thanks to the work and the know-how of several generations. When he was young, great Grandfather Edmond bought the buildings to which he gave life again. He used to sell his wines in big barrels to the best wine-merchants of the area.
Grandfather Louis, with dynamism, gave a new impulse to the domain by selling the wines in bottles and by extending the estate. On his steps, the father Bernard and his wife Genevieve took over, respecting the quality of the wines and increasing the sales through export.
This peaceful country house, which is a rural provençale farm, delights the visitor with its setting of greenness. Their children and grandchildren were born and grew up there. Their attachment to these old walls is real.
Sheltered by the medieval village, the wine-cellar faces south. In the background, the Dentelles de Montmirail overlook the vineyard of the estate.
Technical Analysis:
Varietals/Encepagement: 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Cinsault
Appellation: Vacqueyras AOC
Soil: Clayey-chalky with rounded pebbles.
Alcohol: 14.5%
