Rasteau

A wine with a controlled designation of origin, Rasteau takes its name from the commune of Rasteau, located in the Vaucluse department. This wine was awarded AOC status in 1944 as a natural sweet wine and in 2010 as a dry red wine. The Rasteau AOC vineyards are located in the foothills of the Baronnies massif. The vines can reach altitudes of up to 300 meters and are well protected. The old Grenache vines are an exceptional feature of the area. They are particularly suited to the production of this sweet wine.

Economic necessity dictated that Côtes du Rhône Villages gradually established themselves thanks to the confirmation of the appellation, and the terroirs were specifically designated, as in this case, in 1965, with the granting of the Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau appellation. The vineyard currently covers most of the land in the village of Rasteau, in the north of the Vaucluse department.

The soils of Rasteau are mainly clay-limestone. The climate is Mediterranean, with south-facing slopes that are slightly protected from the mistral wind. The production area covers around 1,000 hectares, with an annual production of approximately 34,000 hectoliters.

For Rasteau red wines, the grape varieties used must include at least 50% Grenache and at least 20% Syrah and/or Mourvèdre, with other varieties from the appellation accounting for a maximum of 20%. For Rasteau rosé wines, the proportions are identical, but white grape varieties (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, and Viognier) must not exceed 20% of the blend. The grape varieties used for Rasteau white wines are mainly Grenache blanc, Clairette blanche, Marsanne blanche, Roussanne blanche, Bourboulenc blanc, and Viognier blanc, supplemented by other grape varieties which must remain very much in the minority in the blend.

Among the appellation's productions, the Rasteau wines offered by Domaine de la Saumade, M. Chapoutier, and Domaine Tardieu Laurent are particularly noteworthy.

In terms of production, Rasteau is obtained by adding wine alcohol to the fermenting must. This traditional process tends to enhance the natural aromas of Grenache in order to better preserve the sugars. The Mediterranean climate of the Côtes-Du-Rhône-Village and the mistral wind promote the over-ripening of the grapes. Similarly, the production soils are sandy-clayey. Depending on the type of aging, whether oxidative or protected from the air, Rasteau comes in several colors and even different classifications. Rasteau wine is also available in several styles to vary the pleasure of consumers. You can choose between garnet, hors d'âge, rosé, white, rancio, or tuilé.

Creamy and powerful, this type of wine is sure to delight the taste buds and all the senses. First, Rasteau or Garnet red wine has a deep color. In most cases, its aroma is reminiscent of red fruits such as blackberries or cherries. As for its taste, Garnet Rasteau can be composed of red fruit or spices. In addition, Rasteau white wine is distinguished by its golden color. It often expresses candied or dried fruit. Rather smooth and rich, it can be savored with notes of candied fruit, currants, or other dried fruits. Finally, Rasteau amber is easily recognizable with its coppery hues. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a more amber-colored wine with hints of garrigue, caramel, or honey. On the palate, this type of mellow wine offers notes of coffee, toasted almonds, or sweet spices. Make your choice based on the color, depth, and price of the Rasteau wine.

Be sure to choose the best food and wine pairings for a real explosion of flavors in your mouth. So, if you have a weakness for red wine, you should know that Rasteau wine can be enjoyed with starters, appetizers, or other typical regional dishes. Wild boar terrine, lentils with bacon, or garlic steak are all excellent choices. Rasteau white wines pair perfectly with a blue cheese soufflé, Fourme d'Ambert cheese, or a Tarte Tropézienne.