📜 Vacqueyras

Vacqueyras is a French protected designation of origin (PDO, appellation d'origine contrôlée) for still red, white and rosé wines from the department of Vaucluse in the southern Rhône valley. It has been in the EU register since 18 September 1973.

The demarcated area covers two municipalities, Sarrians and Vacqueyras. The grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and aged there, with a defined area in immediate proximity allowed by derogation. The specification places the vineyards on terraces along the Ouvèze river, at an altitude of 60 to 160 m, near the Dentelles de Montmirail. Soils are sand, pebbly sandstone and water-worn pebbles, and the climate is Mediterranean with the Mistral.

Red wines make up the vast majority of production. The specification says they come mainly from Grenache N, Mourvèdre N and Syrah N. For red wines Grenache N must be at least 50% of the vines planted, and Mourvèdre N and Syrah N together at least 20%. Their minimum natural alcoholic strength is 12.5% vol. White wines come from Bourboulenc B, Clairette B, Grenache Blanc B, Marsanne B, Roussanne B and Viognier B, with a minimum of 12% vol. Rosé wines come largely from Grenache N, Mourvèdre N and Syrah N, also with a minimum of 12% vol.

The maximum yield is 40 hectolitres per hectare. All wines are limited to 14% vol of total alcoholic strength, and fermentable sugar at bottling is at most 3 g/l, or 4 g/l above 14% vol. Wood chips are forbidden, and irrigation may be authorised.