Chateau des Roques ‘Vacqueyras’ Cuvee du Chateau, Rhone, France

Description

A flicker of lavender on a breeze of garrigue, then deep into sun-ripened cherry and spice. The 2022 Chateau des Roques Vacqueyras Cuvee du Chateau is a radiant southern red with backbone and soul, layering classic Rhne texture with refined power. Plump, dark fruit is lifted by savory undertones, drawing you into a wine shaped by place, tradition, and time.

Product Details:

• Varietal: 70% Grenache, 10% Mourvdre, 10% Syrah, 10% Cinsault
• ABV: 14%
• Farming: High Environmental Value (HVE); Vegan friendly
• Harvest Method: Hand-harvested
• Aging: Aged in French demi-muids (500L) for structure and integration
• Vine Age: Average 40 years
• Winemaker: Corine Seroul

Sensory Description:

Garnet-colored and radiant in the glass, this wine opens with warm aromas of jammy cherries, wild herbs, and baking spices, followed by fig, musk, and touches of laurel and scrubland. On the palate, it is fleshy and structured with a generous mouthfeel, unfolding into layers of black fruit compote, cinnamon, and Provenal spice. Firm tannins give it grip while southern sunshine gives it breadth.

Awards & Accolades:

• 92 Pts – James Suckling
• 92 Pts – Decanter
• 16.5 Pts – Jancis Robinson

Winemaker’s Background:

Chteau des Roques, located on the rocky plateau outside the village of Vacqueyras, has been owned and operated by the Seroul family since 1997. Committed to sustainable viticulture and manual harvesting, the estate farms 38 hectares of Rhne varietals with traditional methods and natural inputs. Long overshadowed by neighboring appellations, Vacqueyras is increasingly recognized for wines of power, elegance, and terroir-driven characterqualities that define this cuve.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 6065F to showcase its aromatic depth and structural nuance, a superb match for braised lamb, lentil and herb stews, or sharp cheeses like aged Gouda. Also pairs beautifully with richly spiced dishes featuring coriander or cumin.

The 2022 Chateau des Roques Vacqueyras Cuvee du Chateau captures the wild elegance of the southern Rhne, sun-soaked, spice-laced, and built to leave a lasting impression.