TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Vaucluse Red Wine Types
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the largest and the most important appellation in the southern part of the Rhône Valley that comprises of five communes. Most Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are predominantly red blends, with a small percentage of whites.
Officially eighteen grape varieties are allowed, including different colors of the same grape variety. However, the most common are Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsault grapes. These rich wines can greatly differ in style, but they are mainly characterized by the spicy and earthy aromas of red berries, black pepper, tar, and leather.
THE BEST Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Appellations

Domaine de la Solitude
2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vin de la Solitude Red
James Suckling - 99 points 2024

This powerful red wine hails from the southern Rhône, and it is mostly based on Grenache with small proportions of Syrah and Mourvedre. Often compared to the more famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape, these robust wines are characterized by their deep ruby color and complex aromas of ripe red and black fruit that are complemented by spicy and earthy nuances of licorice, cocoa, or chocolate. Gigondas is a full-bodied wine with powerful tannins that tend to mellow with age, resulting in more refined expressions.
They are an excellent match to braised dishes, stews, or casseroles.
Red wines from the Ventoux appellation are primarily based on Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes. These ruby red, fruit-forward wines typically display aromas of ripe red fruit that are occasionally complemented by subtle notes of spices, licorice, or oak.
Due to their smooth texture and not-overpowering tannins, they can match a variety of dishes, but they perfectly pair with sausages, stews, and grilled red or white meat.
Vacqueyras is a French appellation located in the Rhône. Although white and some amount of rosé wines are produced in Vacqueyras, dry red wines are the hallmark of the region. These garnet-colored and rich wines are based on Grenache, but Syrah and Mourvèdre must make up at least 20 percent of the blend.
The primary notes include red and dark berries that are usually complemented by notes of preserved fruit, spices, and violets. Although often described as powerful and slightly robust, these wines will typically have a pleasant finish and unique, somewhat elegant character.
Rasteau is a French wine region that has a status of Côtes du Rhône Villages Cru. It is used for powerful dry red wines made from Grenache, usually with the addition of Mourvèdre and Syrah. Rasteau is also known for naturally sweet wines (vins doux naturel), made by adding pure grape spirit to fermented grape juice.
The region is located around the eponymous village in the Vaucluse department. Red Rasteau wines have a deep ruby color and intense aromas reminiscent of raspberries, currants, and blackberries. They will sometimes have hints of cocoa, spice, and coffee.
Rasteau is a French appellation in the southern Rhône that is best known for its Vins doux naturel, naturally sweet wines that come in several styles, mainly depending on how they are made and aged. The wines are made with fermented grape juice that is fortified with pure grape spirit.
All styles are made from Grenache (Noir, Blanc and Gris). The appellation includes the amber-colored doré style with distinctive honey, nutty, and apricot notes. The red type is also intensely aromatic with notes of ripe cherries, plums, and blackcurrants.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Vaucluse Red Wine Producers
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Wine Spectator - 96
2022

Falstaff - 100
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Vaucluse Red Wines
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2024
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2019
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2017
AWARDS

International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion Red 2018
2018
AWARDS

Falstaff - 100
AWARDS

Falstaff - 100
AWARDS

Falstaff - 100
AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2019
This wine is built mainly around Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah, but the palate reveals it to be a careful construction from all thirteen Châteauneuf-du-Pape varieties. Counoise lends smoky, tannic complexity, while Cinsault adds softness and elegance.
All in all it’s a classic Beaucastel, with black fruits, truffles, spice and bitter chocolate notes all present.
AWARDS

Wine Spectator - 96
2022
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2020
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