Vacqueyras Les Aubes 2017

DOMAINE SANTA DUC

Vacqueyras Les Aubes
2017

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
Country
France
Regulated designation
Appellation origine controlée (AOC)
Region
Rhône Valley
Subregion
Southern Rhône
Appellation
Vacqueyras
Varietal(s)
Grenache 80 %
Syrah 20 %
Colour
Red
Sugar
Dry
Producer's website

About this winery

Domaine Santa Duc was founded in Gigondas 1874 and is now led by 6th generation owner and winemaker, Benjamin Gras. After Benjamin received his diploma of oenology at the University of Bourgogne he spent time at Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Bodega Vega-Sicilia learning from some of the wine world's most famous estates. The goal at Santa Duc has always been to produce top-quality fruit from impeccably tended vineyard sites, the style of winemaking has changed with each generation....

See the DOMAINE SANTA DUC detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

A culmination of two terroirs, Les Aubes and La Ponche both found in the commune of Vacqueyras. Sandy slopes for Les Aubes, lime-chalk soil for La Ponche.

Production notes

The estate is certified biodynamic. Most of the bunches are destemmed and the wines undergo a cold maceration of about a week prior to ferments. Maceration and extraction have been reined in to emphasize elegance over power. Most of the wines age in foudres, and several wines spend time in amphorae. From an estate that used to be about ripeness and power, it has evolved rather quickly into one that's more about elegance and terroir expression.Grapes were harvested manually and were hand selected. They underwent an extended maceration and were carefully extracted. The wine was aged for 18 months in 90% Stockinger Foudres and 10% Terracotta jars (amphora).

Press reviews

Vinous

- 92 points -

Josh Raynolds, February 2020 (Vintage 2017)

Glistening violet. Expressive red and dark berry aromas are complemented by peppery spice, incense and lavender notes. Sappy and seamless in texture, offering vivacious black raspberry, cherry and spicecake flavors that deepen steadily through the midpalate. Smooth, harmonious tannins add framework to an impressively long, lively finish, which leaves behind lavender pastille and juicy dark berry notes. Raised in a combination of used foudres and clay amphoras.

See detailed press review