Domaine de la Charbonnière Vacqueyras 2022 is a rich, refined red from Domaine de la Charbonnière, a historic, family-owned estate in the Vacqueyras AOC of the Southern Rhône Valley, France. The domaine has been in the Maret family since 1912, and today winemaker Véronique Maret (with her sister Caroline) continues the tradition of producing terroir-driven wines that combine powerful fruit intensity with finesse and elegance. Viticulture is respectful of nature with manual harvest and careful grape sorting. Vacqueyras is a well-regarded Rhône Cru known for structured, spicy red wines built on Grenache as the core variety, supported by Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault, from clay-sandy and stony soils that lend both power and aromatic finesse. The 2022 vintage is typically 60 % Grenache and 40 % Syrah from older vines and was made using traditional vinification with destemming and extended maceration, followed by élevage in a mix of wood vats, demi-muids and barrels to build complexity and texture. In the glass it shows deep red and black fruit character, think black cherry, cassis and raspberry, wrapped in spice, dried herbs and garrigue with a touch of licorice, iron minerality and subtle smoke. Tannins are firm yet finely polished, giving structure and balance through a long, mouthwatering finish that makes this wine approachable now yet suitable for drinking through the late 2020s. Many critics have given it excellent scores (around 92 points) for its depth and poise. This Vacqueyras pairs superbly with grilled or roasted red meats, Provençal lamb, game, hearty stews, charcuterie and robust Mediterranean dishes, and its layered spice and fruit also complement aged cheeses. Why we love this wine? The combination of cassis, spice and herbs transports you to the Southern Rhône’s magic!
