Brotte, Bouvencourt 2018, Vacqueyras

This is the wine you open when stew’s on the stove, the windows are fogged up, and you’re halfway through a very dramatic audiobook. It’s rich, warm, and made for evenings that stretch into hours.

Tasting Notes: Made predominantly from Grenache with a touch of Syrah, this Vacqueyras is rich, layered, and full of southern Rhône character. Aged for a year in century-old oak vats, it offers generous aromas of ripe cherry, jam, and roasted meat, with subtle notes of blackcurrant and spice from the Syrah. The palate is warm and structured, with a long, savory finish that pairs beautifully with red meat stews, roast duck, or aged cheese.

Varietals: Grenache, Syrah 

About the Estate: For nearly a century, the Brotte family has been a force of innovation in the Rhône Valley. With estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Cairanne, and Laudun Village, and a deep bench of winemaking expertise, Maison Brotte brings a refined approach to terroir expression across the region. Today, the family produces wines under three estate labels: Domaine Barville, Domaine Grosset, and Château de Bord. Backed by a dedicated team of winemakers and viticulturalists, their wines showcase the rich character and diversity of the Rhône.