Domaine du Grand Prieur, AOP Vacqueyras, Rouge, 2023

Located in the "Hautes Garrigues" in Sarrians, Domaine du Grand Prieur is one of the oldest estates in Vacqueyras as the property dates back to the year 980. It has been created by Guillaume the 1st, Count of Provence and has been acquired by the Gras family in 1880. Today, Léo Gras and his two sons look after the vines, respecting the family tradition.

2023 was a year full of contrasts: warm temperatures at the end of December and beginning of January raised concerns about early budding; a return to normalcy continued until February with relatively cool weather; a persistent drought accompanied by a strong Mistral wind, followed by regular rainfall until the end of June. Thanks to constant vigilance in the vineyards, the berries were healthy and well-ripened when harvest started, promising one of the finest vintages of the past decade.

Terraces of pebbles on clayey soils

Destemming of the grapes. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks with regular pumping over.
Maceration lasts for around 3 weeks.