| Grape variety |
Vaccarese |
| Synonyms |
Camarèse, Brun Argenté |
| Grape colour |
Red grape |
| History |
The Vaccarese grape, also known as Brun Argenté, is a rare, dark-skinned variety that has its roots in France's prestigious Rhône Valley. It is one of the 13 red grape varieties sanctioned for use in the world-renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape blend. However, its usage is limited due to its scarcity. Beyond the boundaries of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vaccarese, also known as Brun Argenté – a name signifying 'brown silver', can be found in tiny quantities, giving credence to the grape's rich, brown-black skin and shimmering leafage. |
| Ampelographic features |
Vaccarese vineyards reveal large, dense clusters of oversized berries that are prone to afflictions like downy mildew and botrytis. This grape variety is known for its resilience and adaptability, even in challenging weather conditions. |
| Characteristics of the wine |
Wines produced from the Vaccarese grape are often likened to Syrah and Cinsaut, yielding light-bodied reds. These wines exhibit striking red-berry flavors akin to Cinsaut, yet they offer an additional kick of pepper and spice, combined with a tannin structure that is reminiscent of Syrah. A small amount of Vaccarese is also employed in the production of Côtes du Rhône rosé wines, where it complements the character of Grenache. |
