Other negociant wines made by Brotte include the 2010 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes, made from nearly 100-year-old vines on the Plateau of Garrigues, near Sarrians, and aged totally in cement tanks prior to bottling. A dense purple color is followed by sweet black cherry liqueur notes intermixed with notions of cassis, licorice, smoked herbs and earth. This terrific Vacqueyras will require 2-3 years of cellaring because of its good acids and the fact that it is so primary. This firm continues to dramatically improve the quality of its wines since Laurent Brotte, the grandson of the founder, Charles Brotte, took over management in 2000. Additionally, the brilliant Philippe Cambie is the consultant. Brotte is renowned for their non-vintage cuvee of Chateauneuf du Pape called La Fiole du Pape, which is usually a blend of three or four vintages and is sold in a misshapen, phony dust-covered bottle that undoubtedly horrifies purists. However, the wine is quite good, and to Laurent Brotte’s credit, they have started putting a lot number on the label.Various American importers including Chrissa Imports, South San Francisco, CA; tel. (650) 877-8460; Opici Imports, Glen Rock, NJ; tel. (201) 689-3256; Margaux and Associates Fine Wines and Spirits, Dallas, TX; tel. (214) 380-1731; and Transat Trade, Gardena, CA; tel. (310) 516-6799

Other negociant wines made by Brotte include the 2010 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes, made from nearly 100-year-old vines on the Plateau of Garrigues, near Sarrians, and aged totally in cement tanks prior to bottling. A dense purple color is followed by sweet black cherry liqueur notes intermixed with notions of cassis, licorice, smoked herbs and earth. This terrific Vacqueyras will require 2-3 years of cellaring because of its good acids and the fact that it is so primary. This firm continues to dramatically improve the quality of its wines since Laurent Brotte, the grandson of the founder, Charles Brotte, took over management in 2000. Additionally, the brilliant Philippe Cambie is the consultant. Brotte is renowned for their non-vintage cuvee of Chateauneuf du Pape called La Fiole du Pape, which is usually a blend of three or four vintages and is sold in a misshapen, phony dust-covered bottle that undoubtedly horrifies purists. However, the wine is quite good, and to Laurent Brotte’s credit, they have started putting a lot number on the label. Various American importers including Chrissa Imports, South San Francisco, CA; tel. (650) 877-8460; Opici Imports, Glen Rock, NJ; tel. (201) 689-3256; Margaux and Associates Fine Wines and Spirits, Dallas, TX; tel. (214) 380-1731; and Transat Trade, Gardena, CA; tel. (310) 516-6799