Awarded AOC certification since 1990, Vacqueyras entered the tight-knit circle of Côtes du Rhône Crus (local appellations) alongside Gigondas and Châteauneuf. Located in the Vaucluse, the appellation encompasses the municipalities of Vacqueyras and Sarrians above Beaumes-de-Venise. Production here is almost entirely centred around reds, with less than 5% of wine vinified into whites. Tannic and balanced, Vacqueyras reds are well-suited to the ageing process (between 3 and 10 years). Starting with notes of red and dark fruits (blackcurrant, cherry), the wine moves towards aromas of stewed or candied fruits (fig) accompanied by hints of spice. Powerful and rich, the wine nevertheless remains subtle.