The red Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes 2023 from Le Clos des Cazaux comes from old vines: around 80% Grenache more than eighty years old and 20% Mourvèdre. The grapes grow on three soil types, from sandy clay at the foot of the Dentelles to blue marl on the garrigue terrace. Yields are low, just 25 hl/ha. In the glass the wine shows a deep ruby red colour. The nose has ripe red and black fruit such as cherry and blackberry, with notes of garrigue, spices and a hint of leather, typical of old Grenache.
On the palate the wine is warm, juicy and full, with soft but clearly present tannins. A long maceration of five to six weeks gives concentration. One third is aged for eighteen months in used 300-litre barrels, the rest in vat, so that the fruit stays to the fore. The finish is long and spicy.
Lovely with game stew, boeuf bourguignon, duck breast with green peppercorn sauce or lamb tagine; serve at 16-18 °C.