Wines of France / Southern Rhone / Vacqueyras / Domaine de la Verde

Domaine de la Verde - Vacqueyras

Sarrians, Vacqueyras
Sitting in the western part of Vacqueyras, with vineyards spread across one single lieu dit, La Verde, this domaine appears on wine maps drawn in the 18th century (but may have existed long before that). The current owners, the Camallonga family, purchased it in 1963, and their 3rd generation of vignerons is now managing the domaine.

Nicolas Camallonga

The La Verde site is located on cliffs overlooking the Ouvèze River, with the finely chiseled Dentelles de Montmirail and the mythical steep slopes of the Mont Ventoux in the background. The roots of the vines—more than 40 years old on average—delve down deep into the sandy-clay soil. La Verde also benefits from a distinctive microclimate: low rainfalls and abundant sunshine allow the grapes to reach perfect ripeness; the mistral, the emblematic strong cold wind blowing from the North, has beneficial drying effects after rainy spells; and temperature differences during the vegetative cycle impart aromatic finesse to the wines.

The family has planted Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Clairette, and Bourboulenc, and the vines are grown according to eco-friendly principles. The grapes of each varietal are picked, sorted several times and vinified separately in order to preserve their own individual characteristics. Then, after being aged in oak barrels or tanks (depending on the grape), the wines are finally blended together with the aim of striking the perfect balance.

Domaine de la Verde Vacqueyras “Prelude”
A blend of 55% Grenache, 22% Syrah, 13% Mourvèdre and 10% Cinsault. Each vineyard plot as well as each grape variety is vinified on its own and undergoes a long, gentle maceration in a concrete vat. There is no oak aging. A deep purple color, this wine has intriguing aromas of violets, plum and blueberry. It is elegant and seamless with amazingly pure fruit. Recommended by its creators with Gnocchi alla Sorrentina.
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Domaine de la Verde Vacqueyras “Ora”
A blend of 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre, this wine is a result of a selection of the best plots. Each vineyard plot as well as each grape variety is vinified on its own and undergoes a long, gentle maceration in a concrete vat. Part of the Syrah and Mourvèdre wines then spend a year in oak barrels before blending and bottling. A deep purple color, this wine has powerful aromas of blue fruits, violets, exotic flowers and blood orange. It is pure and elegant, with good length and serious aging potential. Recommended by its creators with duck breast filet with honey sauce.

Domaine de la Verde Vacqueyras “Royal Sunset Rosé”
Made from 45% Grenache, 45% Cinsault, 5% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre. The grapes undergo a light skin contact maceration then are immediately pressed to preserve the  aromatic richness of the juice. It is then fermented in stainless steel tanks and does not undergo malolactic fermentation so that it retains its freshness and primary aromas. Of a lovely pink color, this wine has fresh and typical Provençal aromas and flavors of strawberries and cherries, but its dry and brisk finish help make it a very balanced rosé. Recommended by its creators with scallop risotto.