Viniou Reviews
Château Montmirail’s Cuvée des Deux Frères 2017 is a fine example of Vacqueyras, a prestigious appellation in the southern Rhône Valley. Crafted predominantly from Grenache, with the likely presence of Syrah and Mourvèdre as per tradition, this red wine delivers rich, deeply coloured juice. The vintage 2017 benefitted from a warm, dry growing season, leading to grapes packed with ripeness, concentration, and fine tannic structure. The vinification is typically geared towards preserving both the vibrant fruitiness and the herbal nuances characteristic of the region, with maturation in a mix of vats and potentially some old oak barrels to round out the texture without overwhelming the fruit profile.
Vacqueyras, nestled at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains, is acclaimed for its gravelly alluvial soils and an exceptional Mediterranean climate marked by ample sunshine and cooling mistral winds. These factors contribute to the full-bodied, spicy, and complex reds for which the region is known. With a history closely linked to nearby appellations like Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vacqueyras has forged its identity through rigorous standards and an emphasis on preserving the typicity of its terroir. The stony terrain imparts a distinct minerality and a particular finesse to the wines, making them age-worthy while still expressively aromatic in youth.
The Cuvée des Deux Frères will shine with hearty dishes capable of matching its structure and intensity. Traditional Provençal cuisine such as daube de boeuf (slow-cooked beef stew), lamb shoulder with rosemary and olives, or a richly spiced ratatouille would make for superb accompaniments. Roasted game birds, duck breast with fig sauce, or aged hard cheeses like Comté or Ossau-Iraty are also excellent choices, highlighting both the fruit and the subtle herbal notes present in the wine.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for one or two hours to allow its bouquet to unfold. Serve at 16-18°C to ensure that the richness and depth of the 2017 vintage are fully revealed, while retaining freshness and aromatic complexity. This wine has potential to evolve gracefully over several more years, though it already offers ample pleasure for those who appreciate southern Rhône reds at their expressive peak.
