We were happy to see our work with the rare Rhône variety Vaccarèse featured in a recent issue of The Somm Journal. Cindy Rynning explores how this grape, which covers less than one percent of the acreage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is finding a new home in the rocky soils of our Adelaida District estate.

Vaccarèse apparently only became rare in France because it was susceptible to powdery mildew, not because of any issues with its flavors or vigor. In the Paso Robles climate, mildew is not really an issue, so that is one huge mark in our favor. Beyond that, it is one of the rare red grapes that is black-fruited and high-acid. The calcareous soils and the cold nights here combine to further bolster that acidity and allow us to leave it on the vine even a little longer.

Read the full article at SommJournal.com for more on the discovery and potential of this intriguing variety.