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Arnoux & Fils - Vieux Clocher - Vacqueyras

2022
Producer
Arnoux & Fils
Blend
70% Grenache
5% Mourvedre
25% Syrah
Country
France
Region
Rhone Valley
Appellation
Vacqueyras
UPC
0 15643 60617 5
Red Wine
Verified Stock
13421-22
Product Ratings
James Suckling 92pt

Loads of cassis, creamy cherries and sweet spices on the nose following through to a medium to full body with firm tannins. Plush and generously fruity on the palate with a focused finish. Grenache, syrah and mourvedre. Drink or hold.

by James Suckling, 2023

Description

Nestled at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, this Provencal scrubland is swamped by sunlight and swept by the Mistral winds. It has produced richly concentrated grapes since the 14th Century. These fruity and powerful wines are a symphony of flavors and fragrances which were raised to the prestigious level of Cru des Côtes du Rhône since 1990.

Vinification

Traditional fermentation takes place in temperature control tanks, the wines are then aged in French oak for 6 months.

Estate

Since 1717, the cultivation of the vine is perpetuated in our family. This tradition and this heritage has become a passion. Even today, we produce our wines in the greatest respect for ancestral traditions, to be able to offer and you return all the authentic flavors of our land. The homestead covers 40 hectares on the plateau Garrigues, a plateau to the west of the appellation, and extends to Chateauneuf du Pape. These soils are prone to low yields of highly concentrated grapes tannins and aromas.

Marc and Jean-Francois Arnoux are the newest generation to carry on their family’s long history at this traditional Domaine that sits next door to the old Vacqueyras church. The family’s history in Vacqueyras dates back to 1731 and vineyard holdings are now 41 hectares in total, with additional volume supplemented with growing partners who have supplied the family for decades. Always complex and interesting, Arnoux’s offerings consistently over-deliver for us, this is a producer we’ve been working with since our early days.

Technical data

Serving temperature: 20 C
Alcohol content: 14%
Ageing: 8 to 10 years
Yield: 36hl/ha
Soil: clayey-chalkey, quartz stones, known as ‘galet roulés’

Tasting notes

Light and fresh with plenty of vibrant red and black cherry and a hint of raspberry. Garrigue herbs and spice on the nose but an uplifting freshness makes it very approachable. Pair with poultry, beef in sauce, grilled red meats, cheese.