Domaine Brunely 2022 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes 'Secrets de Licorne'

The Vacqueyras region is perhaps the most famous of the satellite regions surrounding the famed Chateauneuf du Pape. The region was granted its appellation status in 1990, elevating its wines from their prior classification of "Cotes du Rhone".  As with most red wines from the southern Rhone, Grenache takes the lead role in the blends, with Syrah and Mourvedre the most common secondary roles, and tertiary grapes often appear as the winemaker chooses. The exact blend is often a mystery, a secret as closely-guarded as the 7 herbs and spices at KFC, or the formula for Coca-Cola. 

But for those seeking balance and authenticity in their wines, Domaine Brunely’s "Les Secrets de Licorne" bottling is no secret. This old family domaine is widely known as Vacqueyras' pioneer in organic viticulture. Grapes for "Secrets de Licorne" come from a selection of the oldest/thickest vines on the estate, and alcohol checks in at a modest 14% on what is one of the most elegant bottlings you'll find in Vacqueyras year-after-year.

Tasting Notes: Red jam (raspberries, strawberries) provides the first impression, followed by fresh mint/menthol, dried herbs (garrigue), graphite, pepper and pleasant licorice notes. A relatively modest 14% alcohol (modest for the Southern Rhone in a warming climate!), this is an elegant version of Vacqueyras, featuring smooth despite the wine's complexity. Will age for a decade.