Geological time
Pliocene: Between -5 and -2 million years ago
Geographic location
West and northeast edge of the Garrigues terrace
Weather
Cool situation which opens towards the Ouvèze valley.
Soils
Marl and fine sands of the Pliocene
At the extreme end of the Tertiary, a final marine advance occupied our territory of the Rhône (from - 5 to - 2 million years ago). Deep valleys, pre-existing to this marine invasion, were then filled with materials rich in clays and fine sands. They are found in the Ouvèze valley, very well exposed in Rasteau (Bellerive cliffs) and, as far as Vacqueyras is concerned, on the western slope of the Garrigues terrace where their outcrops are discreet.
It is towards Font Bonne that the Marly Pliocene is best expressed. The springs which spring out a few meters below the base of the stony terrace materialize the fact that the rainwater crosses the pebbles and is blocked by an impermeable marly bedrock, hence the existence of emergencies.
Grape varieties
Remarkably suitable for Syrah and Mourvèdre. These varieties express themselves well on this type of soil and draw water and minerals from the marl.
These wines are fleshy, complex, very fruity due to the presence of clays. These are assertive and fruity wines.