Skip to main content
A village appellation of the southern Rhône with its own identity and character
When people think of the southern Rhône, one name often comes first: Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Its reputation is deserved — it is one of France’s most iconic wine regions. But surrounding this famous village are other extraordinary terroirs that deserve just as much attention. Appellations such as Vacqueyras and Gigondas share the same Mediterranean landscape, the same passion for Rhône varieties, and the same ability to produce remarkable wines.
The Domaine Saint Pierre Vacqueyras 2023 is a beautiful introduction to this lesser-known but fascinating part of the Rhône Valley.
Vacqueyras – a village with a strong identity
Located near the famous Dentelles de Montmirail, Vacqueyras is one of the southern Rhône villages that has built its reputation through quality and authenticity.
The vineyards benefit from a Mediterranean climate: long sunny summers, dry conditions, and the influence of the Mistral wind. These elements help create healthy, concentrated grapes while preserving freshness in the wines.
The soils are a mix of gravel, clay, and alluvial deposits, giving the wines both structure and character.
Like many Rhône villages, Vacqueyras has a long history of wine production, but its recognition as a dedicated appellation is relatively recent compared with Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It gained AOC status in 1990, confirming what local growers had known for generations: this terroir was capable of producing great wines.
The neighbours of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The southern Rhône is a mosaic of villages, each with its own personality.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is often associated with power, complexity, and ageing potential. But just nearby, other villages express the same Rhône spirit in different ways.
Gigondas is famous for its rugged landscape and structured wines, often showing more mountain influence from the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Vacqueyras tends to offer a slightly more approachable expression: generous, expressive, and deeply connected to the Mediterranean landscape.
These appellations may live in the shadow of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but they are far from secondary. Many wine lovers consider them some of the most exciting places to explore in the Rhône today.
Domaine Saint Pierre – a traditional Rhône expression
Domaine Saint Pierre follows the philosophy of many great Rhône estates: respecting the identity of the vineyard and allowing the grape varieties to speak.
Their Vacqueyras 2023 is built around a classic southern Rhône blend:
- 60% Grenache
- 40% Syrah
This combination is at the heart of many great Rhône wines.
Grenache brings generosity, ripe red fruit, warmth, and roundness. Syrah adds colour, spice, structure, and aromatic depth.
Together, they create a wine that feels both powerful and balanced.
Vacqueyras 2023 – the Rhône in the glass
The 2023 vintage expresses the typical personality of the appellation.
The nose reveals aromas of ripe red and black fruits, with notes of spice, herbs, and the Mediterranean landscape often described as garrigue.
On the palate, the wine is generous and smooth, with Grenache bringing richness and Syrah adding structure and freshness. The tannins are present but elegant, giving the wine both immediate pleasure and ageing potential.
It is a wine that feels rooted in its place: sunny, expressive, and full of character.
Discovering the Rhône beyond the famous names
One of the joys of wine is discovering that the most famous names are not always the only ones worth exploring.
Around Châteauneuf-du-Pape lies a collection of villages with incredible stories, unique terroirs, and talented producers.
Vacqueyras is one of those places.
The Domaine Saint Pierre 2023 is a reminder that the southern Rhône is not a single style, but a collection of landscapes and identities — each village bringing something different to the glass.
A beautiful opportunity to discover a great Rhône appellation that deserves to be better known.
Recent Comments