Country: | France |
Regions: | Rhone Vacqueyras |
Winery: | Alain Jaume |
Grape Type: | Grenache |
Vintage: | 2017 |
Bottle Size: | 750 ml |
Alain Jaume Vacqueyras Grande Garrigue is made from 65% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 5% Old vines Cinsault
Deep, intense hue. Aromas of fresh black fruit a little meaty, with dried herbs smells. On the palate, the richness of the tannins harmonizes with the smoothness of the wine. The finish is long, with spices aromas, licorice. A typical wine from this specific terroir called "Les Garrigues".
Soil type Vacqueyras is located right next to Gigondas AOC. It mostly streches on Sarrians territory, where is the famous plateaux named “Les Garrigues”. This area is made of clay and rocks. The beautiful landscape of the “garrigue” is typical of the mediterranean area. The wines itself smell the spices, the dried herbs…you will taste the “Garrigue” in your glass, welcome to Provence … Winemaking & ageing Traditional winemakeing methods, temperature controlled fermentation. Long soaking on the skins.
Alain Jaume Vacqueyras Grande Garrigue is made from 65% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 5% Old vines Cinsault
Deep, intense hue. Aromas of fresh black fruit a little meaty, with dried herbs smells. On the palate, the richness of the tannins harmonizes with the smoothness of the wine. The finish is long, with spices aromas, licorice. A typical wine from this specific terroir called "Les Garrigues".
Soil type Vacqueyras is located right next to Gigondas AOC. It mostly streches on Sarrians territory, where is the famous plateaux named “Les Garrigues”. This area is made of clay and rocks. The beautiful landscape of the “garrigue” is typical of the mediterranean area. The wines itself smell the spices, the dried herbs…you will taste the “Garrigue” in your glass, welcome to Provence … Winemaking & ageing Traditional winemakeing methods, temperature controlled fermentation. Long soaking on the skins.
Review:
"A well-built, spicy and textured Vacqueyras red with dark berries, currants, dried herbs and baking spices on the nose, following through to a full body with fine, firm tannins. Spicy and intense mid-palate with a compact finish. From organically grown grapes. Try after 2026."
- James Suckling (May 3rd 2024), 91 pts
Alain Jaume Domaine du Clos de Sixte Lirac is made from 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre
An intense red garnet color. On the nose, aromas of red and black ripe fruit (kirsch and wild blackberry). The mouth is full, with aromas of blackcurrant liqueur and spice. Tannins are both harmonious and elegant thanks to the fleshiness of the wine. Hints of licorice and vanilla on the finish, which gives the wine length and complexity.
Soil type LIRAC vineyard is facing Chateauneuf du Pape, opposite side of the Rhône river. As showed by the picture and following geologist George Truc, soils are almost similar in both side. They are marked by the violence wrought by the Rhone river. It consists of a layer of marine molasses of the Miocene period covered by alpine alluvium. The presence of a great number of rounded stones known as "galets" in the earth is evidence of the time when the Rhone, then a torrent, tore fragments of rock from the Alps and deposited them on the plain. LIRAC is one of the up-coming best area from the southern Rhône valley, as it delivers outstanding wines. Winemaking & ageing Traditional wine-making in stainless still vats. Hand sorted bunches, crushed and destemmed grapes. Fermentation temperature : 30°C. 18 days of vatting with pigeages.
Review:
"The Lirac from this estate is the 2017 Lirac Clos de Sixte. It's another deep purple-colored effort offering powerful notes of ripe black cherries, melted licorice, violets, and pepper. Full-bodied, forward, ripe, and flamboyantly styled, it's packed with fruit and texture. Drink it over the coming 4-6 years."
- Jeb Dunnuck (August16th 2019), 92 pts
"Juicy and compact still, with concentrated plum and black currant paste flavors coated with licorice and backed by a roasted alder spine. Lingering bay and menthol hints too. Drink now through 2026. 3,000 cases made, 1,800 cases imported. - JM"
- Wine Spectator (October 2021), 91 pts
"There’s no missing the huge black-fruit character of this full-bodied but well-balanced Lirac. Excellent integration of tannins, fruit and alcohol, Touches of tar, licorice and Mediterranean herbs add interest, particularly at the supple finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold."
- James Suckling (February 2022), 92 pts
Alain Jaume Rasteau Les Valats is made from 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre planted on clay and stones based soil.
Located in the northern part of the Vaucluse, the soils are mostly on slopes with limestone and rocks, at medium altitude (until 350 meters).
Grapes usually ripeness in late September. The soils are poor and the Mediterranean climate allows to produce concentrated and well balanced grapes. The place is well-known for producing wines with strong identity.
From the Cotes du Rhone Villages classification, RASTEAU has been upgraded to Cru level since the 2009 vintage.
The wine shows a deep red garnet color and a nose of fresh red berries. On the palate, the richness of the fruit and tannins harmonizes with the roundness of the wine. The finish is long, with spicy and mineral notes. Complete and authentic.
Review:
"A blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, the 2017 Rasteau Les Valats is a classic example of this terroir and offers a darker, smoky, earthy, and chocolaty vibe as well as a rich, mouthfilling style on the palate. Nicely balanced, with a fleshy, expansive mid-palate and great tannins, it’s total charmer to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years."
- Jeb Dunnuck (October 2020), 90 pts
"Very open red-fruit aromas and a rather cool, slightly minty personality make this a good introduction to this underrated Southern Rhone appellation. Good harmony and rather lively for its age at the clean finish. Drink now."
- James Suckling (February 2022), 90 pts
Alain Jaume Domaine du Clos de Sixte Lirac is made from 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre
An intense red garnet color. On the nose, aromas of red and black ripe fruit (kirsch and wild blackberry). The mouth is full, with aromas of blackcurrant liqueur and spice. Tannins are both harmonious and elegant thanks to the fleshiness of the wine. Hints of licorice and vanilla on the finish, which gives the wine length and complexity.
Soil type LIRAC vineyard is facing Chateauneuf du Pape, opposite side of the Rhône river. As showed by the picture and following geologist George Truc, soils are almost similar in both side. They are marked by the violence wrought by the Rhone river. It consists of a layer of marine molasses of the Miocene period covered by alpine alluvium. The presence of a great number of rounded stones known as "galets" in the earth is evidence of the time when the Rhone, then a torrent, tore fragments of rock from the Alps and deposited them on the plain. LIRAC is one of the up-coming best area from the southern Rhône valley, as it delivers outstanding wines. Winemaking & ageing Traditional wine-making in stainless still vats. Hand sorted bunches, crushed and destemmed grapes. Fermentation temperature : 30°C. 18 days of vatting with pigeages.
Review:
"The 2016 Lirac Domaine du Clos de Sixte is a terrific wine, easily the rival to many Châteauneufs from across the river, starting with its alluring aromas of flowering garrigue and ripe cherries. A blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre, this full-bodied wine is lush and concentrated on the palate, then turns velvety on the long finish. I'd treat it like a Châteauneuf du Pape in terms of cellaring: hold it for a few years, then drink it over the next 15. - Joe Czerwinski"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue 233, October 2017), 93+ pts
Chateau Mazane Vacqueyras Rouge is made from 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre.
30% aged in oak, 70% in concrete vats
This 50 year old single vineyard (22 Acres) consists of three main varieties with a predominance of Grenache. It stretches over the 'Garrigues' (scrubland) plateau that is ideally located between the Ouvèze (tributary of the Rhone river) terraces and the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Chateau Mazane Vacqueyras Rouge is medium-bodied, pure and elegant. It offers plenty of plum, blueberry, spring flowers and peppery notes. On the palate, the richness of the tannins harmonizes with the smoothiness of the wine. The finish is long, with spice aromas and licorice. Beautifully textured, enjoy it over the coming 6-7 years.
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Alain Jaume Vacqueyras Grande Garrigue is made from 65% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 5% Old vines Cinsault
Deep, intense hue. Aromas of fresh black fruit a little meaty, with dried herbs smells. On the palate, the richness of the tannins harmonizes with the smoothness of the wine. The finish is long, with spices aromas, licorice. A typical wine from this specific terroir called "Les Garrigues".
Soil type Vacqueyras is located right next to Gigondas AOC. It mostly streches on Sarrians territory, where is the famous plateaux named “Les Garrigues”. This area is made of clay and rocks. The beautiful landscape of the “garrigue” is typical of the mediterranean area. The wines itself smell the spices, the dried herbs…you will taste the “Garrigue” in your glass, welcome to Provence … Winemaking & ageing Traditional winemakeing methods, temperature controlled fermentation. Long soaking on the skins.
Review:
"Deep brilliant ruby. Heady, mineral-laced red berry liqueur, spicecake and floral aromas are complemented by suggestions of dusty minerals and succulent herbs. Vibrant, sharply focused raspberry and bitter cherry flavors become deeper and sweeter with air and pick up musky licorice and candied lavender nuances. Shows impressive energy and solid thrust on the impressively long, red-fruit-dominated finish, which is given shape by supple, slow-building tannins. - Josh Raynolds"
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (February 2020), 92-93 pts
The Alain Jaume Winery
Established in 1826 in the Northern part of Chateauneuf du Pape, the Alain Jaume Winery boasts both the exceptional terroir of the Southern Rhone Valley and a long line of dedicated winemakers. Alain Jaume works in accordance with certified organic agricultural practices for both the Grand Veneur and Clos de Sixte vineyards. They strive to let the true terrior be expressed in their wines.
The principal winemaker is Alain Jaume. His sons Sebastien and Christophe are both heavily involved with the winery in sales and marketing and winemaking respectively. The Alain Jaume winery consists of 40 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape, 50 acres in Lirac, and 75 acres of Cotes du Rhone vines. The family produces wines under two labels: Domaine Grand Veneur and Alain Jaume.
In 1320 Pope Jean XXII planted the first vines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, but it was only in 1360 that the wines of the region first gained fame. Oddly, the wine that gave Chateauneuf-du-Pape its original reputation was the White and not the Red. The white wine was a favorite of Pope Innocent VI. The Domaine dates back to 1826, having been founded at that time by Mathieu Jaume. Since 1979, Alain Jaume has run the Domaine and now has the help of his two sons: Sebastien and Christophe.
"Popes throughout history have liked their juice, and when the papal see moved to Avignon in the 13th century, that juice was Chateauneuf-du-Pape ("the pope's new castle") made from grapes grown nearby in the Southern Rhône. The castle is a ruin now, the papal court long gone back to Rome, but the wines that bear the pope's coat of arms emblazoned on the bottle are still produced more or less according to the long-standing recipe. Not every winemaker uses all 13 of the grapes in the proscribed blend, though. At Domaine Grand Veneur, an estate that dates to 1826, Alain Jaume and his sons Sebastien and Christophe emphasize Grenache blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre."
- Los Angeles Times
"Improved Chateauneuf with very accomplished, stylish reds since the late 1990s; also very good Vacqueyras and Cotes-du-Rhône Villages." - Anthony Dias Blue's pocket guide to wine 2006
"Grand Veneur is one of the most brilliant estates in Chateauneuf du Pape as well as the force behind the negociant wines sold under the Alain Jaume label. Virtually everything they produce has merit. Some of this estate’s 2009 red wines are just hitting the market as they are bottled early to preserve their fruit and freshness. I can’t say enough about the job Alain Jaume’s two sons, Sebastian and Christophe, have done with this estate. The impeccable attention to detail in the vineyards, the meticulous vinification, and the careful bottling benefit every consumer." - Wine Advocate (#190, August 2010)
"Great bargains continue to emerge from Domaine Grand Veneur as well as from their negociant arm of the business, labeled Alain Jaume" - Wine Advocate (#195, June 2011)
"One of the best-run and highest quality estates of the Southern Rhone is Domaine Grand Veneur, now run by the younger generation of the Jaume family, Sebastien and Christophe. The brothers have done a fabulous job taking over for their quality-oriented father, Alain. These are their less expensive wines, but I will follow up later this year with my reviews of their 2010 Chateauneuf du Papes as well as the 2011s, which I have not yet tasted. They have certainly gotten a good start on their 2011 less expensive Cotes du Rhone selections. The Jaumes are some of the finest practitioners of white winemaking in the Southern Rhone and showcase that with their least expensive offerings, which are creative blends that over-deliver." - Wine Advocate (Issue #201, June 2012)
Some wines by Alain Jaume Winery:
Any Alain Jaume wines we have in stock are listed below, if you don’t see the wine you are looking for please don’t hesitate to ask for it.
The Tempest was one of the first wines, and the first Proprietary Blend, we produced. At the time, it seemed almost uncanny that we were able to access three grape varietals at the same time from the same vineyard; it was blind luck or perhaps the proverbial “perfect storm.” The resulting wine reflected a fierce determination to brave the storm as well as a new desire to realize the possibilities of Merlot. The Tempest is still made with outstanding grapes, from vineyards such as Blair in Calistoga and cooler sites like Farella and Orchard. Predominantly Merlot with lesser amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon depending on vintage, The Tempest is a roiling cauldron of fresh red and blue fruit and silky tannins – a wine that shows what Merlot can be in the right hands, from the right vineyards.
Red fruit; silky tannins; more approachable in its youth
Aiurri Rioja is made from 80% Tempranillo, 15% Grenache, 5% Graciano.
Chalky, mineral and pure, with blood orange and blackberry fruit and scented oak. "Aroma: Complex and intense, where black fruits accompany spicy notes, highlighting black pepper and licorice. In the background, the notes of aging appear, with tones of dry tobacco and leaf litter. Taste: Powerful wine with good structure, but at the same time with notable freshness. It generates very pleasant and elegant tactile sensations. It is a wine where balance, concentration and sensations of fullness prevail. Color: Deep cherry color with a high layer."
Review:
"A superb first release from Ribera del Duero-based Pago de Carraovejas, Aiurri is effectively a village wine from Leza, using grapes from seven parcels in the village. Structured, layered and refreshing, it's an organically farmed field blend of Tempranillo with small amounts of red and white grapes. Chalky, mineral and pure, with blood orange and blackberry fruit and scented oak. 2025-32."
- Tim ATKIN (Rioja 2024 Special Report), 94 pts