Vacqueyras

🇫🇷 France

AOC

Gigondas' neighbor with more Syrah - powerful reds from Dentelles foothills

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Region profile

History

Granted AOC status August 9, 1990 by decree published August 15, 1990 - first new Southern Rhône cru in 19 years after Gigondas. Previously classified as Côtes du Rhône-Villages. Position at "toes" of Dentelles de Montmirail provides steep limestone slopes that define the appellation's character. Name possibly from Latin "vallis quadreria" (valley of stones).

Climate
Mediterranean with steep southwest-facing limestone slopes at base of Dentelles de Montmirail; cooler than Gigondas due to higher Syrah
Signature wines
Domaine de la Charbonnière and Alain Jaume - benchmark estates showing Vacqueyras' Syrah-influenced style distinct from Gigondas
What sets it apart
First new Southern Rhône cru in 19 years (1990); uses more Syrah than neighbor Gigondas, creating cooler, more structured style; 94% red wine focus

Facts

  • 1,460 hectares delimited (770ha planted)
  • AOC granted August 9, 1990 - first new Rhône cru since Gigondas 1971
  • located in Vacqueyras and Sarrians communes

Region profile from the Wine Memories wine-data corpus · verified January 2026