Located in between Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape, the village of Vacqueyras received Appellation Controllee status in 1990. Domaine Le Couroulu, founded in 1928 and still owned by the Ricard family, is known for producing some of the most full-bodied Vacqueyras and other wines from their 20 hectares of old Grenache and Syrah vines. The estate is named for the Curlew bird, which is known in Provencal dialect as Couroulu: this bird is signature emblem on the domaine’s labels. Parker rates the estate as an “excellent” (****) producer, and cites it among his “Best European Wine Values.” Winemaker Guy Ricard, who represents the third generation, is one of the Rhone’s most passionate and agreeable personalities, qualities which are reflected in his full-throttle, engaging wines.

Domaine le Couroulu’s Vin de Pays de Vaucluse is a blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Merlot and 20% Carrignan. It comes from vineyards on the sandy-clay plateau around the village of Vacqueyras. These soils are not suitable for Grenache (the principle grape of Vacqueyras) but the cooler microclimate allows Syrah and Merlot grapes to ripen well. Guy Ricard fashions his Vin de Pays by fermenting with the stems for 10 days. The wine is aged in large foudres for six months before bottling. Couroulu’s Vin de Pays 2000 is an explosively fruity, spicy, tasty wine, which is ready to enjoy with Bistro fare. It represents excellent value.

The Vacqueyras is a blend of 55% Grenache, 30% Syrah. 10% Mourvedre, 5% Cinsault. It undergoes a long, 20 day maceration period and is aged in large oak casks for two years before bottling. This big, spicy, robust, somewhat jammy wine represents exceptional value. It is an excellent match for grilled ribs, sausages, and steaks as well as roasts and stews of lamb, beef and game. Robert Parker consistently acclaims the Couroulu Vacqueyras.

Guy Ricard makes about 500 cases per year of his Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes (old-vines) cuvee. A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, it comes from two parcels of Grenache planted by his grandfather in 1932 as well as a smaller plot of Syrah planted in 1960. These old vines have very low yields, giving the wine its exceptional concentration. Two hundred cases are exported to the USA each year. It is an excellent match for grilled ribs, sausages, and steaks as well as roasts and stews of lamb, beef and game.

Domaine le Couroulu’s Cotes du Rhone comes from a 3 hectare parcel on a sandy soil just outside the Vacqueyras appellation. The nature of the soil allows the grapes to ripen early and yields a rich, supple and generous wine. The grapes are destemmed and are given a 12 day period in vat before fermentation begins. Ricard ages his Cotes du Rhone in large, neutral oak foudres for six months, and the wine is bottled in the Spring. It shows intensely ripe black fruit with a fresh, pure and supple texture.