Viniou Reviews
Château Montmirail's Cuvée des Deux Frères 2017 from Vacqueyras AOC is a striking example of southern Rhône red, renowned for its robust character and expressive palate. Typically, this cuvée is crafted from Grenache as the dominant grape, often supported by Syrah and Mourvèdre, classic companions in the region. The 2017 vintage benefited from a hot and dry growing season, bringing about concentrated fruit and silky tannins. The terroir at Vacqueyras is a tapestry of alluvial terraces, sand, red clay, and galets roulés – large rounded stones that retain heat and promote even ripening of the grapes. Winemaking at Château Montmirail is traditional yet precise, with careful extraction during fermentation and ageing commonly taking place in a mix of stainless steel and older oak, allowing fruit purity and terroir expression to shine.
Vacqueyras, nestled in the southern reaches of the Rhône Valley, enjoys a Mediterranean climate, abundant sunshine, and the cooling influence of the mistral wind, all of which help produce grapes with excellent balance and structure. The soils, rich in limestone and sandy clay, lend freshness and finesse to the wines. While Vacqueyras only gained its own AOC status in 1990, the region has a venerable history, long overshadowed by its famous neighbour Gigondas, but today is esteemed for producing wines of depth and ageing potential.
Pairing this wine, look to hearty dishes that mirror its generous texture and spiced red fruit character. Provençal cuisine is a natural choice: slow-cooked lamb shank with thyme, daube de boeuf, or a traditional ratatouille bring out its herbal and savoury notes. Grilled red meats, wild game, or matured cheeses such as Tomme de Provence also pair beautifully, while spiced Moroccan tagine can highlight its warmth and complexity.
For optimal enjoyment, serve Château Montmirail’s Cuvée des Deux Frères 2017 at 16-18°C. Consider decanting for thirty to sixty minutes to soften the tannins and allow the bouquet of garrigue, black cherry and subtle pepper to blossom fully. This wine can be cellared for a few more years to further integrate and develop tertiary aromas.
