Founded in 1957, the Cave de Vacqueyras is one of the youngest cooperative wineries in France. It is located on the great terroir of Vacqueyras, in the Southern Rhône Valley, which obtained the “Cru” appellation in 1990. In 1997, the Cave invested in a second winery in order to vinify grapes from individual owners separately under their own estate names. This enables the Cave de Vacqueyras to offer authentic estate wines at reasonable prices.

Domaine Caroblelle is one of those estates, owned by the Vautour family and situated in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail in the Southern Rhône Valley, at an altitude of 900 to 1,500 feet. The soil is composed of limestone covered with round pebbles and sand. The vines are of an average age of 50 years old, yielding a respectable two tons per acre. 

The 2010 Domaine Carobelle Vaqueyras, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre, exhibits an attractive garnet-red color with brilliant highlights and aromas of sweet raspberries, strawberries and field flowers. The palate is well balanced and round with red and black fruit flavors and licorice overtones. Pair with roasted red meats, pasta dishes with meat and tomato sauce, mixed salads and aged hard cheeses. Drink over the next 6-8 years. 

The 2010 Domaine Carobelle Vaqueyras is currently available at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits for only
$20.29.

Atanas Nechkov

Wine Supervisor Central Florida