Definition: Vacqueyras AOC

Southern Côtes-du-Rhône region. Production area located about ten kilometres north-west of Carpentras, on a plateau overlooking the Ouvèze river, more precisely within the municipalities of Sarrians and Vacqueyras in the Vaucluse department. Classified as an AOC cru in 2001. Area under production: just over 1,050 hectares. White grape varieties: Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache; additional grape varieties for a maximum of 50% together or separately, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier, each of these varieties representing no more than 80% of white wine production; Black grape varieties: Grenache (maximum 60% for rosé wines, minimum 50% for red wines), Mourvèdre and Syrah (together minimum 20% for red wines); Cinsaut and Mourvèdre (together or separately, minimum 15% for rosé wines). Secondary grape varieties for a maximum of 10% together or separately, all other white and red grape varieties from the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation (with the exception of Carignan and for the production of white wines). Vinified as: white (1%), rosé (3%) and red (the vast majority). Can be stored: whites and rosés should be drunk young; reds can be stored for 5 to 7 years, or even longer depending on the vintage, up to 10 to 15 years. Ideal serving temperature: between 10 and 12°C for whites and rosés; between 17 and 18°C for reds. Pair with: reds, spring lamb, wild boar stew or venison.