Guillaume Gonnet - Le Sauvage Vacqueyras 2022
Price: $28.99
Sale Price: $21.99
| Producer | Guillaume Gonnet |
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| Country | France |
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| Region | Rhone |
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| Subregion | Vacqueyras |
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| Varietal | Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre |
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| Vintage | 2022 |
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| Sku | 18082 |
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| Size | 750ml |
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According to local archives, the Gonnet family has been settled in Bédarrides since 1600. Beda – where? It’s the town about 1 mile east of Chateauneuf du Pape. Ok. Got it. Well, after centuries of growing grapes, the family, namely Etienne Gonnet, created a winery in 1950. Font de Michelle. Sounds familiar? It’s only one of the icons of the region! Today, the 3rd generation, specifically Guillaume Gonnet, has taken control of the family winery. In addition to managing his family’s holdings, Guillaume and his wife, Kelly, have begun purchasing their own plots in Chateauneuf and surrounding appellations.
Ok, so four hundred years of experience… plenty of local knowledge to buy and source the best vineyards and grapes. Certainly a key ingredient for an excellent value.
And Vacqueyras… the region abuts Gigondas. Well, that’s not entirely true… some vineyards lie in both appellations! Both lay at the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail. What really separates Gigondas from Vacqueyras is reputation. And reputations, good or bad, are hard to shake. The difference stems from when each was recognized as a stand-alone appellation, separate from Cotes du Rhone-Villages: Gigondas was recognized in 1971, while Vacqueyras didn’t make the big leagues till 1990. So Gigondas has had a 20-year head start in solidifying its reputation. Marketing baby… it’s all about marketing.
Gonnet's style is one that emphasizes elegance and finesse,resulting in an impeccably balanced wine that is locked and loaded with fruit - black cherries, blackberries and plums - and balanced by aromas of violets, red licorice and wild herbs. Bright acidity adds a level of freshness that has this baby singing with food. Classic French bistro food would be nice here... classic dishes like Coq au Vin, Cassoulet, Pot-au-Feu and Steak Frites. Don’t worry… you don’t have to go full-on French to enjoy this baby, just cook up something simple and enjoy!
Hmmm... and let's see what's cooking in town... well, I can only find one restaurant in the little hamlet of Vacqueyras, and they don't have a website. Neighboring Gigondas has a few. Ooohhh, the super fancy one looks nice. But, ah... there we go... a cozy little lunch spot. Let's check out the menu... raviolis, lasagne with zucchini and ricotta, Ceasar salad with chicken, beef tartare... oh... here we go... Camembert d'Isigny... warm and oozy from the oven, served with roasted potato and ham from the Alby plateau... with a glass (or two) of local red wine! Perfect!
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