Rasteau

An appellation d'origine contrôlée wine, Rasteau takes its name from the commune of Rasteau, in the Vaucluse region of France. It was awarded AOC status in 1944 as a vin doux naturel and in 2010 as a dry red wine. The AOC Rasteau vineyards are located in the foothills of the Baronnies massif. The vines can reach altitudes of up to 300 metres and are well protected. An exceptional feature, the old Grenache vines are located at the right exposure. They are ideally suited to the production of this sweet wine.

As a result of economic necessity, Côtes du Rhône Villages gradually came to the fore thanks to the confirmation of the appellation, and the terroirs were specifically consecrated, as in this case in 1965, by the granting of the appellation Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau. Today, the vineyard covers most of the land in the village of Rasteau, in the north of the Vaucluse département.

Rasteau's soils are predominantly clay-limestone. The climate is Mediterranean, with the south-facing slopes sheltered from the Mistral wind. The production area is around 1,000 hectares, with an annual output of around 34,000 hectoliters.

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

The Rasteau wines produced by Domaine de la Saumade, M. Chapoutier and Domaine Tardieu Laurent are particularly noteworthy.

Rasteau is made by adding wine alcohol to the fermenting must. This traditional process enhances Grenache's natural aromas and preserves sugars. The Côtes-Du-Rhône-Village's Mediterranean climate and mistral wind favor over-ripening of the grapes. Likewise, the production soils are sandy-clay. Depending on the type of ageing, whether oxidative or protected from the air, rasteau comes in a variety of colors and even different grades. Rasteau wine is also available in a range of styles, for a variety of consumer pleasures. You can choose from grenat, hors d'âge, rosé, white, rancio or tuilé.

Smooth and powerful, this type of wine delights the taste buds and all the senses. Rasteau or garnet red wine has a deep color. In most cases, its smell is reminiscent of red fruit, such as blackberries or cherries. As for its taste, rasteau grenat can be composed of red fruit or spices. White rasteau is distinguished by its golden color. It often expresses candied or dried fruit. Rather suave and full-bodied, it can be enjoyed with notes of candied fruit, currants or other dried fruits. Finally, rasteau ambré is easily recognizable with its coppery nuances. You can also choose a more amber version, with hints of garrigue, caramel or honey. In the mouth, this type of melted wine declines coffee, toasted almond or sweet spices. Make your choice according to color, depth and price.

Don't forget to choose the best food and wine pairings for a real explosion of flavors on the palate. For example, if you're partial to red wine, rasteau can be enjoyed with starters, aperitifs or other dishes typical of the region. Wild boar terrine, lentils with bacon or garlic steak will do the trick. White rasteau wines go perfectly with blue cheese soufflé, Fourme d'Ambert cheese or Tropezian pie.