Tardieu Laurent : Vacqueyras "Vieilles Vignes" 2021

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Vacqueyras "Vieilles Vignes" 2021 from Tardieu Laurent

Tasting

Appearance
The color shows a deep red hue with violet highlights.

Nose
The nose reveals a pronounced aromatic expression, with black fruits (black cherries, dark plums), wild herbs, warm spices and subtle mineral touches.

Palate
On the palate, this wine stands out for its medium body and excellent density. The attack brings concentrated dark fruit (red and black plums, dark cherries, blackcurrant). The tannins are silky and refined, delivering an elegant structure without harshness. Bright acidity adds freshness and drive. The finish lingers remarkably, revealing notes of dried herbs, minerality and leather.

Food and wine pairings

This Vacqueyras "Vieilles Vignes" 2021 is an ideal match for herb-roasted lamb, grilled red meats, game in sauce, or Mediterranean-style grilled vegetables. It also pairs perfectly with aged cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve this Vacqueyras "Vieilles Vignes" 2021 at a temperature of 14°C. Decanting for two hours before serving will allow the wine to fully reveal its aromatic complexity. This wine can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve until around 2028.

An elegant and refined Vacqueyras by Tardieu Laurent

The estate

Founded in 1994 by Michel Tardieu and Dominique Laurent, the Tardieu Laurent House moved to Lourmarin in 1996. Now run by Michel Tardieu, this négociant House has established itself as a benchmark in the Rhône Valley. Tardieu Laurent stands out for its unique philosophy: selecting wines from old vines farmed organically and biodynamically, then personally overseeing their aging. Relationships with partner growers are built on trust and informal agreements, reflecting an authentic approach that respects the terroir.

The vineyard

This Vacqueyras comes from specific plots located in the lieux-dits Les Grès, les Pendants, la Longe and la Ponche. The soils, made up of rounded pebbles and sand, lend the wine elegance, finesse and aromatic complexity. Grenache vines more than sixty years old grow alongside forty-year-old Syrah and mature Mourvèdre, producing grapes of exceptional quality.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage in the Rhône Valley was marked by particularly challenging weather conditions. A devastating frost episode in early April hit the vineyards, with temperatures dropping as low as -10°C. The vines required several weeks to recover. Fortunately, beneficial rainfall and a summer with moderate temperatures helped the vines rebound. The harvest, carried out late in October, produced grapes with excellent physiological ripeness despite reduced yields. This vintage is defined by its freshness, aromatic precision and elegance.

Vinification and aging

The Vacqueyras "Vieilles Vignes" 2021 is vinified according to the principles of the Tardieu Laurent House. Fifty percent of the grapes are vinified as whole clusters, while the other half is destemmed. Fermentation is carried out with native yeasts. Aging takes place in two phases: twelve months in French oak barrels that have held one wine, sourced from the Allier and Tronçais forests, followed by a further twelve months in 30- to 50-hectoliter wooden foudres. The wine is neither fined nor filtered, thus preserving all its complexity.

Grape varieties

Grenache (70%)
Syrah (20%)
Mourvèdre (10%)