Rasteau AOC

Area named after the commune of the same name in the southern section of the Rhône wine-growing region. The vineyards cover around 900 hectares of vines, mainly in the commune of Rasteau, but also partly in the communes of Cairanne and Sablet in the Département of Vaucluse. In terms of classification, a distinction must be made between red wines (AOC and Cru only since the 2009 vintage), white wines and rosé wines (both are marketed as Côtes du Rhône-Villages ) and Vin doux naturel (AOC since 1944). The climate is Mediterranean in character, with the frequent downslope wind Mistral leading to significant cooling. The high-class vineyards are south-facing and shielded from the Mistral. The vineyards are located on the slopes of the Montagne de Ventabren on soils of pebbles and greyish limestone with a reddish clay base.

The dry Rasteau Rouge (red wine) is produced from at least 50% Grenache Noir (Garnacha Tinta), at least 20% Mourvèdre (Monastrell) and/or Syrah, as well as a maximum of 20% of the white varieties Cinsaut, Clairette, Marsanne, Picpoul (Piquepoul), Roussanne, Terret Noir, Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano Toscano), Viognier and others.

The sweet wines Rasteau Vin doux naturel are blended from Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris (Garnacha Roja) or Grenache Blanc (Garnacha Blanca) with at least 90%, as well as Bourboulenc, Clairette, Cinsaut, Counoise, Mourvèdre, Picardan, Picpoul, Roussanne, Syrah, Terret Noir, Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano Toscano), Vaccarèse (Brun Argenté) and Viognier. They are fortified; the alcohol content must be at least 15% vol. up to a maximum of 21.5% vol. and the residual sugar at least 45 g/litre.

Depending on the grape varieties used and the type of vinification, they are produced in different colours, which are described as ambré(amber), blanc (white), grenat (garnet red), rosé and tuilé(brick red). The red version undergoes mash fermentation and is usually made from 100% Grenache Noir. The rosé is produced using the saignée method. The Ambré and Tuilé wines are matured oxidatively with oxygen or air contact in wood or in tanks. These are labelled Rancio (matured for at least 12 months) or Hors d'Age (vintage cuvée, the youngest wine must be at least five years old). These wines have a special flavour of dried fruit.

Well-known producers include Château du Trignon, Domaine Beaurenard, Domaine Didier Charavin, Domaine de Girasols, Domaine Beau Mistral, Domaine de la Grangeneuve, Domaine Bressy Masson, Domaine Gourt de Mautens, Domaine la Soumade, Tardieu-Laurent, Domaine des Coteaux des Travers and, with over 50% of production, Cave de Rasteau.

Image: By Véronique PAGNIER - Own work, Public domain, Link