2023 Domaine Sang des Cailloux Vacqueyras Rouge, Rhône Valley, France
Regular price $50.00
Unit price per
10% Mourvèdre and Cinsault, 20% Syrah, 70% Grenache
Domaine le Sang des Cailloux (“the blood of the stones”) is a definitive producer in the Southern Rhône, established in its current form in 1990 by Serge Férigoule. Having worked at the estate since 1979, Serge eventually took ownership and transitioned it into a leader for organic and biodynamic viticulture, achieving organic certification in 2007 and moving to biodynamics shortly after. Today, Serge works alongside his son Frédéri, maintaining an approach that favors minimalist intervention and deep respect for natural cycles.
The winery’s 17 hectares are situated on the Plateau des Garrigues, characterized by a rugged landscape of red clay and limestone topped with a dense layer of galets roulés (large rounded river stones). These stones absorb heat during the day and radiate it back to the vines at night, while the arid, well-draining soil naturally limits yields to produce wines with intense concentration and power. The estate’s flagship rouge cuvée—which changes its name annually between Serge's three daughters, Floureto, Doucinello, and Azalaïs—is harvested from vines averaging 40 to 50 years of age. While this wine is not made or owned by a woman, the homage to Serge’s daughters tugged on our heartstrings. Especially given that Sarah is still a daddy’s girl.
Heady and intense on the nose, bursting with crushed blackberries, ripe plums, and wild garrigue herbs like thyme and lavender. The palate is full-bodied and powerful, delivering a rich core of dark forest fruits framed by stony minerals and a savory, lingering finish of licorice and sun-drenched earth.