2009 Domaine de Fontavin Vacqueyras

Domaine de Fontavin is a 100-acre estate in Courthezon, in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation of France’s Rhone Valley. The estate traces its history back to seven generations and the current owner and winemaker is Helene Chouvet. Over the years the estate has acquired vineyards outside of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and today the estate also produces Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Cotes du Rhone. Nevertheless, its signature wines are the Chateauneuf-du-Papes, which are generally about 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. The top cuvee from this estate is the Chateauneuf-du-Pape David et Goliath.

Vacqueyras AOC is in the Southern Rhone Valley and runs along the banks of the Ouvèze River. It received its appellation status 1990, having been part of the AOC Côtes du Rhone appellation since 1937. Some 97 percent of the wine made in Vacqueyras is red, and like its neighbor to the north, Gigondas, Vacqueyras is known for its powerful wines. There are 3,200 vineyard acres planted to Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Muscardin, Counoise, Clairette and Bourbolenc. Vacqueyras reds are dark, spicy, tannic and considered good for aging.