Vacqueyras Le Rif 2023 La Ferme du Mont

Vacqueyras Le Rif 2023 from La Ferme du Mont is the most powerful and ambitious cuvée from Stéphane Vedeau's biodynamic domaine, produced in an appellation whose reputation continues to grow in the shadow of its celebrated neighbour Gigondas. A Vacqueyras of remarkable concentration, built on a foundation of old Mourvèdre harvested very late, whose small berries shape the distinctive character of this wine. Initial roundness and fruit gradually give way to the amplitude and power of the hillside slopes, with a long liquorice-tinged, fleshy finish that carries the authentic accent of terroir and late-summer flowers.

Terroir and vines

The Le Rif vineyard sits on the slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail, at the heart of the Vacqueyras appellation, on clay-limestone soils and stony terraces whose complex composition and excellent natural drainage give the wine its depth, concentration and mineral precision. The 2023 blend comprises 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre, the latter from old vines harvested very late to achieve maximum concentration of small berries and an aromatic expression of unparalleled depth and intensity. This late Mourvèdre harvest is the absolute stylistic signature of Le Rif, bringing the firm structure, deep flesh and long liquorice finish that distinguish it from its peers in the appellation. The vines have been certified organic since 2014 and farmed biodynamically since 2011. Vinification using native yeasts, with careful ageing in vat and barrel to develop the full natural complexity of the terroir.

Tasting profile

The colour is a deep ruby red with intense purple glints and fine density. The nose is seductive and immediately complex, with notes of sweet cherry and liquorice presenting themselves with remarkable generosity and precision, accompanied by aromas of dark fruits, blackcurrant and blackberry, pure spice, tobacco and a light touch of cocoa. Notes of altitude garrigue and late-summer flowers progressively enrich the bouquet with growing depth and persistence. On the palate, the tannins are solid and velvety, well-integrated with a remarkable texture born of patient, precise ageing. The concentration of blackcurrant is excellent, with a pure and deep spice expression of the terroir. The finish is long, liquorice-tinged and fleshy, threaded through with fresh minerality that brings momentum and confirms the grandeur of the Vacqueyras terroir on the slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail.

The domaine

La Ferme du Mont is Stéphane Vedeau's Rhône Valley domaine. A former professional footballer who turned to wine in 1989 after fifteen years in Languedoc, he has been based in the Rhône Valley since 2000. Hailed from his earliest vintages by Robert Parker as one of the most seriously talented winemakers of the southern Rhône, he produces natural wines of absolute precision and honesty using native yeasts and biodynamic methods. La Ferme du Mont's range extends from the accessible Mademoiselle du Mont to the most ambitious Châteauneuf-du-Pape, approached with the same conviction and care at every level.

Food pairing

This Vacqueyras Le Rif pairs beautifully with roast leg of lamb with Provençal herbs, beef braised in Provençal style, long-simmered beef daube, duck with black olives, lamb rack with thyme, or aged cheeses such as Saint-Nectaire or aged Comté. Decant for at least one hour in its youth. Served between 16 and 18°C, it will reveal all the liquorice power, tannin depth and natural nobility of a terroir-driven Vacqueyras signed by one of the southern Rhône's most talented biodynamic winemakers.