Rasteau

Production

Rasteau is a newly created appellation representing the dry red wines made in the area. There is an overlapping appellation for the region’s fortified wines, Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel AOC. It’s not uncommon for producers in Rasteau to make both styles and make use of both appellations.

Rasteau covers only 961 hectares of vines, but they are tended with excellence in mind — the yields are kept as low as thirty-three hectolitres of wine per hectare, producing only 31,747 hectolitres per vintage. This is well below the national average.

The soil in Rasteau is ancient. Many vineyards are covered with pebbles carried by the melting glaciers eighteen million years ago. The cobbles retain heat and promote the ripening of the grapes, even during the night. These are similar to those found in some of the most prestigious sites in neighbouring Châteauneuf-du Pape.

 Clay, limestone and red sandstone soils complete the picture. These poor soils, along with the region’s sun exposure and warmth, are responsible for the quality and concentration of Rasteau’s red wines. 

Rasteau’s vineyards are planted on a hillside with southern exposure, which allows the vines to benefit from the morning sun. The hilly location also protects the vines from the Mistral Wind while exposing them to the warm breeze from the Mediterranean Sea. The conditions are suitable for growing the famous red grapes of the Rhône.

Grape Varieties

As stated in the appellation’s legislation, grape growers in Rasteau can grow and use a wide variety of grapes. Grenache Noir is the leading grape, and must comprise at least 50% of the planted area, while Mourvedre and Syrah are complementary and cover up to 20% of the vineyards.

Accessory varietals include red and white grapes, such as Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Cinsault, Roussanne, Marsanne and many others. White grapes can only represent 5% of the planted area in Rasteau and are used to make fortified wine.

All standard Rasteau wines are red and must be made mainly with Grenache Noir, with at least a small addition of the region’s complementary varietals, making Rasteau a Grenache-based (GSM, Grenache Syrah Mourvedre) blend.

Grenache, though, might not be native to the Rhône Valley. Experts agree Grenache originates in Northern Spain, in the region of Aragón, while others suggest it was born in Sardinia. Spain and Southern France remain the most significant sources of Garnacha or Grenache, and the grape is now considered native to both countries. Few grapes can withstand warm Mediterranean temperatures like Grenache, which makes it ideal for these regions’ climates.

Buy Rasteau from Hourlier Wines

Rasteau might be a new wine style with a relatively recent appellation, but the wines are ancient. The area is home to generations-old wineries and many newcomers in what has become one of the most exciting wine scenes in the Rhône Valley. Amongst the most enthusiastic winemakers in the area, you’ll find Domaine Chamfort. 

Domaine Chamfort is a historical estate recently purchased by Vasco and Sonia Perdigao, a couple and two-member team dedicated to producing top-quality wine in the Rhône Valley. The winery produces wines in Sablet, Vacqueyras and Rasteau. La Planne is a combination of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah made with fruit from twenty-five-year-old vines. The vineyard is only four hectares and the wine ages between twelve and eighteen months in oak. Expect ripe red fruit aromas, cooking herbs, spices and black pepper over a textural palate with balancing acidity and a lengthy finish. The La Planne 2020 is less ripe than the 2019; the weather was cool and dry, resulting in a wine with great acidity and compatibility with food. Red and black fruit notes on the nose and palate and scents of undergrowth and spices make this extraordinary wine a cellar-worthy example of Rasteau’s style.

FAQ

Where does Rasteau wine originate?

Rasteau is a French appellation in the Southern Rhône Valley, in the village of Haut-Vaucluse, famously known for being perched on a hill with southern exposure. The appellation covers 961 hectares, most planted with Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvedre.

What does Rasteau wine taste like?

Rasteau is a dry red wine with scents of ripe red and black berries. Undergrowth, dried spices and earthbound aromas are also common, and so is the unmistakable scent of black pepper in Syrah-heavy blends. All Rasteau is mainly made of Grenache. Rasteau wine is distinct from the region’s sweet, fortified wines labelled as Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel AOC.

Which food groups pair well with Rasteau wine?

Rasteau is the perfect partner for grilled red meat, peat-oven barbecue, smoked meat, game, roasted birds, hearty stews, meaty casseroles and other rustic dishes. These wines are bold and textural and can match fatty meat. A typical meal in Rasteau commonly served with the region’s red wines is pigeon foie gras terrine. The region’s fortified wines are desserts in their own right but will pair well with dried fruit and chocolate desserts.