Domaine du Grand Prieur is one of the oldest estates in Cru Vacqueyras. This beautiful property dates back to the year 980. Located in the Hautes Garrigues in Sarrians, it has a long, rich history. Guillaume the 1st, Count of Provence and Lord Prior of Sarrians, created the vineyard. Today, Domaine du Grand Prieur continues to produce wine thanks to the Gras family, who acquired the property in 1880. Today, Léo Gras and his two sons look after the vines in the long family tradition.
The vines grown on terraces of pebbles on clayey soils. Vacqueyras wines can be some of the finest in the southern-Rhône and can offer quite a bargain when compared with its better know neighbours.
2023 was a year full of contrasts for the domaine: warm temperatures at the end of December and beginning of January raised concerns about early budding; a return to normalcy continued until February with relatively cool weather; a persistent drought accompanied by a strong Mistral wind, followed by regular rainfall until the end of June. Thanks to constant vigilance in the vineyards, the berries were healthy and well-ripened when harvest started, promising one of the finest vintages of the past decade.
Wine production commences with destemming of the grapes. Fermentation is in stainless steel tanks with regular pumping over. Maceration lasts for around 3 weeks.
The Grand Prieur Vacqueyras has aromas of morello cherries and violet with hints of soft spices. The palate is round with smooth tannins with blackberry and sour cherry fruit with a smokey earthiness. The finale is long with notes of garrigue and liquorice.
