Vacqueyras

The Vacqueyras appellation was created as recently as 1990 (previously it was a leading Côtes du Rhône Village) since when the quality of its wines has steadily improved. However, it remains in the shadow of appellations such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, desperately needing someone to make its name on the international stage. 

The Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel have recently expanded the negociant arm of their empire to include one of the best Vacqueyras wines currently produced. Elsewhere, other producers have raised their game and estates such as Domaine la Tourade are producing extremely good value wines whilst others are aiming for the luxury market

Wine quality generally lies somewhere between the better Villages wines and Gigondas, as one would expect. However, it is only with the 1999 vintage that it has become clear why Vacqueyras received its own appellation: some exceptional wines were produced by producers such as Domaine le Sang des Cailloux and negociants such as the Perrins and Tardieu-Laurent. More recently, a newcomer has made his mark: consultant winemaker Xavier Vignon