IGP Vaucluse wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

I.G.P.

The Vaucluse Protected Geographical Indication covers every commune of the Vaucluse department, in the Rhône valley, from Orange and Vaison-la-Romaine in the north to the Luberon massif in the south, including the Valréas enclave. The vineyard spreads across varied terroirs, from the Rhône corridor to the first slopes of the Luberon and the Dentelles de Montmirail, generally on limestone and stony soils. The Mediterranean climate, tempered by the mistral wind, gives the vines generous sunshine. The appellation allows a wide range of grape varieties: grenache, syrah, mourvèdre, carignan, cinsault, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and marselan for reds and rosés, and grenache blanc, viognier, bourboulenc, rolle and chardonnay for whites. This Protected Geographical Indication status, more flexible than that of neighbouring Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée such as Côtes du Rhône, allows winegrowers to vinify traditional Rhône-style blends as well as international varieties, and single-variety wines. Two complementary geographical names, Aigues and Principauté d'Orange, identify more precise sectors within the department.

The wines of this appellation

Vaucluse produces red, rosé and white wines, with reds and rosés clearly dominant. The reds, made mainly from grenache, syrah and merlot, are still, dry wines, ranging from supple to fuller-bodied depending on the blend, with aromas of dark fruit, spice, leather and sometimes pepper or bitter chocolate. They pair with red meats, grilled dishes and Provençal stews. The rosés, based on grenache or cinsault, show a pale colour and fresh red-fruit aromas; they suit Mediterranean cuisine, salads, grilled fish and aperitifs. The whites, made notably from grenache blanc, viognier or chardonnay, stand out for their vivacity and minerality, with notes of apple or linden blossom; they go well with fish, seafood and goat's cheese. Most of these wines are best enjoyed young, to appreciate their aromatic freshness.