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Rasteau

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Rasteau

Appreciate the taste and quality of Rasteau wine

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 set against 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. The vineyard currently extends over 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.

Where does Rasteau come from and how is it produced?

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.

Learn about the main characteristics of Rasteau wine

Smooth and powerful, this type of wine is sure to delight 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.

What to serve the best Rasteau wines with?

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.

More information on the Rasteau

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Domaine des Evigneaux - Rasteau 2019

Rated 3.9/5Rated 3.9/5Rated 3.9/5Rated 3.9/5Rated 3.9/5

3.9/5 (22 reviews)

Médaille d'Or Concours Paris

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93/100 James Suckling

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92/100 Wine Enthusiast

spicy
coated tannins
concentrate
Gem

"Ready to drink, this juicy Rasteau is a real treat".

"Full, spicy nose with hints of smoked bacon and baked earth. Although endowed with good concentration, this Rasteau is not marked by power, with a fresh, elegant palate that finishes with a lovely interplay of fine tannins and mineral freshness." (James Suckling 2022).

Domaine Brusset - Rasteau La Bastide 2022

1*Étoile Hachette

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16,5/20 Jancis Robinson

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92/100 Decanter

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90/100 James Suckling

spicy
black fruits
barbecue

"A model of balance and generosity!"

"Grenache and Mourvèdre are equally represented in this engaging cuvée, aged for a year in vats and amphorae. Intense raspberry fruit on the nose, enhanced by spices and hints of garrigue, finds a happy extension in a full, velvety, suave palate, with coated tannins that are a little catchy on the finish. An excess of youth that doesn't detract from the harmony of this flattering, well-typed red". (Le Guide Hachette 2025)

Domaine Grand Nicolet - Rasteau Vieilles Vignes 2019

Wine rated 4.4/5Wine rated 4.4/5Wine rated 4.4/5Wine rated 4.4/5Wine rated 4.4/5

4.4/5 (5 reviews)

91-93/100 Jeb Dunnuck

ripe fruit
cassoulet
top deal

"A Gem at an affordable price

"The 2019 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes is composed of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre. It has been 80% de-stemmed and aged mainly in concrete tanks. This beauty is well worth seeking out, displaying classic Rasteau fleshy black fruits, as well as notes of roasted herbs, leather and pepper. With age, it shows more freshness and floral notes. It's full-bodied, with ripe tannins and exceptional length." (Jeb Dunnuck 2022)

Domaine Grand Nicolet - Rasteau Les Esqueyrons 2016

Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5

4.3/5 (3 reviews)

93/100 Robert Parker

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92-94/100 Jeb Dunnuck

intensity
purity
duck breast

"A dazzling Rasteau!

"The flagship cuvée is the 2016 Rasteau les Esqueyrons, a blend of 50% concrete-aged Grenache and 50% oak-aged Syrah. The nose is marked by baking spices and smoked meats, framing massive black fruit flavors (plums and black cherries) and adding welcome complexity. Full-bodied, rich and creamy, this extremely ripe, fleshy and intense wine will be enjoyed over the next few years to everyone's delight." (Wine Advocate 2018)

Domaine Martin - Rasteau 2022

16/20 Jancis Robinson

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Médaille d'Or Concours Paris

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90/100 Decanter

ripe fruit
woody notes
game

"A wine of great power".

"It's bursting with dark fruit, plum and cigar box. The palate is juicy and has good fruit weight, with good freshness beneath the fruit core. Tannins are present but supple, providing good structure. Ripe, sweet fruit on the finish". (Jancis Robinson 2023)

Xavier Vignon - Rasteau Arcane Le Bateleur

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (5 reviews)

92/100 James Suckling

spicy
powerful
generous
prepared foods

"A fine tribute to the terroirs of Rasteau".

"Aromas of spicy blackberry and plum, with tea leaves, black olive, licorice and wet earth. Full-bodied, with fine-grained tannins and lively acidity. Taut and fleshy, with a deep core of black fruit and a hint of spice. Luscious finish with notes of chocolate and walnut shell." (James Suckling 2022)

M. Chapoutier - Rasteau Les Gadilles 2022

Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5

3/5 (2 reviews)

syrah
grenache
potential
solar

"A sunny red

In the Rasteau appellation, Chapoutier offers Les Gadilles 2022, a blend of Grenache and Syrah. With a fine, powerful nose of very ripe fruit, this cuvée is generous on the palate, with good structure and great potential. A sunny red!

Maison Tardieu-Laurent - Rasteau Vieilles Vignes 2021

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (3 reviews)

16,5/20 Jancis Robinson

grenache
powerful
good acidity
creamy
duck breast

Rasteau Vieilles Vignes 2021, aged ten months in barrel and ten months in cask, has a brilliant purple color. Playful and delicate on the nose, it oscillates between floral and fruity, with scents of raspberry and black fruit. Surprisingly fresh acidity gives this Rasteau an interesting freshness. The palate is creamy with lightly polished tannins. Well-controlled power and complexity.

Xavier Vignon - Rasteau 2019

Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5

4.3/5 (6 reviews)

91/100 Robert Parker

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91/100 Decanter

grenache
wooded
eggplant curry
quality-price

"One of the few Vignon wines to see new wood (25%), the 2019 Rasteau is a blend dominated by Grenache, but with smaller amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre. Laced with scents of garrigue and green peppercorns, it offers mixed berries on the medium- to full-bodied palate, and slightly more assertive tannins than Vignon's other wines." (Wine Advocate 2020)

Domaine de Beaurenard - Rasteau 2021

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (1 review)

91/100 RVF

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1*Étoile Hachette

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92/100 James Suckling

(2020 vintage notes)
grenache
fruity
harmonious
prepared foods
biodynamics

With a superb nose bursting with fresh fruit (blueberry, raspberry) and hints of spice and garrigue, this blend of Grenache (80%) and Syrah is a pure delight. The attack is structured and powerful, with roundness and fine tannins. A fine bottle to share with characterful dishes!

Camille Cayran - Rasteau 2020

Rated 3.9/5Rated 3.9/5Rated 3.9/5Rated 3.9/5Rated 3.9/5

3.9/5 (17 reviews)

1*Étoile Hachette

(2019 vintage notes)
spicy
round-tipped
red meat
quality-price

This well-built red opens with a nose of black fruit, dried rose and spices. On the palate, notes of cocoa round out the overall impression. The well-presented tannins are supple, giving a long finish without masking the fruit. At this price, it's a bargain not to be missed!

Maison Perrin - Rasteau L'Andéol 2017

Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5

3.5/5 (4 reviews)

In a very warm, south-facing climate, Rasteau l'Andéol gives full expression to the power of ripe Grenache. Its deep red color reveals a generous nose of stewed black fruits, kirsch cherries and spicy notes. The attack is frank and voluminous, supported by tight tannins, spicy aromas and a few floral notes... A fine representative of the appellation!

Domaine La Collière - La Fontaine 2015

Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5

3.7/5 (6 reviews)

92-94/100 Robert Parker

"One of the best wines is indeed this 2015 Rasteau La Fontaine, certainly one of the jewels of the vintage. It might even surpass the sensational 2010. Notes of charcoal, blackberries, blackcurrants and beautiful minerality are concentrated in a full-bodied, ripe, elegant and intoxicating palate, loaded with Provençal character. Count me in as a fan, it will drink well for more than a decade." (Wine Avocate 2016 - Robert Parker)

M. Chapoutier - Rasteau 2014

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (3 reviews)

87-89/100 Robert Parker

"The 2014 Rasteau is a good wine in an appellation that struggled in this vintage. Chocolate, earth, wild herbs and dark berries pave the way for a medium-bodied, nicely concentrated and textured red that will enjoy for the next 5-6 years. This is one of Rasteau's finest wines. " (Wine Advocate 2015 - Robert Parker)

Alain Jaume - Rasteau Les Valats 2014

Wine rated 2.3/5Wine rated 2.3/5Wine rated 2.3/5Wine rated 2.3/5Wine rated 2.3/5

2.3/5 (3 reviews)

88-90/100 Robert Parker

"Jaume's 2014 Rasteau Les Valats reveals classic notes of dark chocolate fruits, pepper and smoky herbs that match a medium-bodied, fresh and upright style on the palate. It has excellent purity, as well as the lighter, fresher texture of the vintage" (Wine Advocate 2016 - Robert Parker).