Viniou Reviews
The Alain Jaume Cuvée Grande Garrigue 2022 is a classic red wine from the southern Rhône Valley, produced within the Vacqueyras AOC. This wine is typically a blend dominated by Grenache, supplemented with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and occasionally a touch of Cinsault, which together create a harmonious and expressive cuvée. The 2022 vintage reflects a warm, generous year in the region, with perfectly ripened fruit and supple tannins. Alain Jaume’s approach focuses on sustainable viticulture and traditional vinification methods, where the hand-harvested grapes undergo careful sorting before fermentation in temperature-controlled vats. The resulting wine is aged partly in vats for freshness and partly in oak barrels for added complexity, resulting in a rich, aromatic red with notes of black cherry, plum, spices, and a hint of garrigue—those wild Provençal herbs so emblematic of the area.
Vacqueyras lies on the southern stretches of the Rhône Valley, just east of Gigondas and near Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The region benefits from an excellent Mediterranean climate, marked by hot, dry summers and the cleansing influence of the mistral wind. Soils here are a mosaic of alluvial gravel, red clay, and limestone, which provide excellent drainage and encourage structured yet elegant wines. Vacqueyras itself is one of the more recent appellations, gaining its AOC status in 1990, but has a rich winemaking heritage rooted in Roman times. This terroir lends itself particularly well to Grenache-based blends, yielding wines with aromatic intensity and authentic southern character.
For food pairings, Alain Jaume’s Cuvée Grande Garrigue is remarkably versatile, well-suited to the robust flavours of Mediterranean cuisine. It pairs beautifully with herbed lamb shoulder, beef daube provençale, or a roast duck breast. Mushroom risotto or a ratatouille will also complement its herbal notes. Regional cheeses such as Tomme de Provence or aged Comté make excellent accompaniments.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this Vacqueyras at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour will allow the wine to fully express its bouquet and soften any youthful edges. This wine can be appreciated now for its fruit-driven vivacity but will also reward a few years in the cellar should you wish to explore its further evolution.
