Wines Vacqueyras Romain Duvernay - Grenache Syrah Mouvedre - 2022

Viniou Reviews

The 2022 Vacqueyras from Romain Duvernay is a quintessential southern Rhône red blend, masterfully crafted from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. This trio, commonly known as a “GSM” blend, brings together the supple red fruit and roundness of Grenache, the structure and spice of Syrah, and the depth and earthy undertones of Mourvèdre. The 2022 vintage shows all the generosity of its warm, sun-drenched year, with ripe black cherry, plum, and blackberry notes on the nose, layered with hints of garrigue, black pepper, and subtle leathery accents. On the palate, you can expect robust tannins, balanced acidity, and a lingering, savory finish – a wine clearly built for both pleasure and the table.

Vacqueyras lies in the southernmost part of the Rhône Valley, just east of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and the influential mistral wind, which helps to keep the vines healthy and concentrate the flavors in the grapes. The soils are a mosaic of galets roulés (large river stones), red clay, and sandy terraces, which provide excellent drainage while retaining enough heat to ensure full ripeness. Vacqueyras achieved its own AOC recognition in 1990, and today stands out for its ability to produce powerful yet expressive wines that offer a distinctive sense of place.

Thanks to its structure and southern Rhône character, this wine shines best with hearty cuisine. Classic French pairings include slow-cooked lamb shoulder with herbes de Provence, daube provençale, or a roasted duck breast with figs. For a vegetarian option, try it with ratatouille or grilled portobello mushrooms. The robust nature of the wine also makes it a fine partner for aged cheeses like tomme de montagne or a well-matured Comté.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for 30 minutes before serving. The ideal tasting temperature is 16-18°C, which will showcase its aromas and texture while keeping the fruit and tannins in perfect balance. This 2022 Vacqueyras can be enjoyed now for its vibrant fruit and freshness, but it will also develop added complexity with a few years of cellaring.