2021 Clefs des Murailles, Vacqueyras, Rhône Valley, France.
The none too serious ruby/garnet hued and delicately floral toned Chefs des Murailles Vacqueyras Rouge is a nice expression of the Vacqueyras appellation, known in part for the freshness and pureness of its fruit, as seen here in this pretty and spicy 2021 vintage that shows off loads of medium bodied Grenache led flavors. Though not complicated or complex, there’s a lot to like here with garden strawberry, plum, crushed brambly raspberry and a hint of blueberry, along with a big salty licorice presence, briar, pepper, dried flowers, and a chalky note. All in all a nice choice on a bistro menu, affordable and plays easy with a lot of different food options. Grown in the shadows of the Dentelles de Montmirail range, the vines are located in the appellation’s southern part on a plateau and benefits from the ancient, poor fertility soils that are rich in Miocene Sandstone and classic hard clay and limestone Marl.
The Clefs des Murailles is owned by the Double family, which goes back a long way in the South of France and who offer an array of wines, including this simple and easy Vacqueyras, once a Côtes du Rhône Village area, not far from the highly regarded Gigondas AOC. In 1854, the Double family acquired the Château de Beaupré, near Aix-en-Provence. With that experience gained, as part of a well reputed winemakers family in the Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence appellation, Maxime Double (the third generation) decided to launch his own range of wines, including this one. Maxime Double now creates new wines in partnership with selected growers mainly and a few producers from different regions that has expanded his portfolio. The Clefs des Murailles Vacqueyras is made from 75-80% Grenache, 15-20% Syrah and a splash of Mourvèdre that is exclusive fermented and raised in stainless steel to transmit its fresh detailing and terroir influences in a transparent form. The 2021 vintage was lighter and elegant, not quite as ripe and full bodied as per normal, but very enjoyable, delightful and more quaffable.
($30 Est.) 88 Points, grapelive