Rasteau

One of the very best villages in the region, Rasteau’s red wines do not have their own AOC but deserve to. For the moment Rasteau can merely append its name to that of Côtes du Rhône Villages. The vineyards are located north of Gigondas, and the wines are deep-coloured and robust, with a good structure and spicy warmth. A small amount of slightly heady white and rosé is also produced. 

Appellation Rasteau Contrôlée does actually exist, and has done so since 1944, but only for the commune’s sweet, grapey Vins Doux Naturels made from Grenache. These hearty wines come in various shades of white, rosé, tawny and red depending on how they are made and aged. Best drunk young, they seem to be making a revival, although they are not as good or as popular as those from the Rhône’s other Vin Doux Naturel appellation, Muscat de Beaumes de Venise. A further AOC is Rasteau Rancio which is a Vin Doux Naturel that has been exposed to sunshine and oxygen in barrels for up to 2 years resulting in a sticky brown wine of variable quality.

Recommended Producer : La Soumade