Rasteau benefits from specific climatic conditions in the Southern Rhone. On these mainly south facing terroirs, protected from the Mistral wind, Grenache ripens particularly well. The resulting wine develops aromas of fig and dark chocolate and the rich texture that is so typical of the appellation.
Presentation
Presentation
Rasteau is a Southern Rhone appellation that historically produced sweet wines. We were one of the first families to have made a dry wine here. Our Rasteau l'Andéol is opulent and majestic, a wine of pure pleasure, thanks to the high proportion of Grenache with its pronounced expression of ripeness and its powerful tannins.
The vintage
The 2022 vintage experienced contrasting climatic hazards which allowed to offer good quality grapes and a very promising aromatic complexity, with however a heterogeneous volume depending on the plots. Winter and spring were particularly mild and very dry, with the months of January and May proving to be the driest since the start of the 20th century, with record temperatures in May and June. These conditions allowed to maintain an excellent sanitary state of the vines, thanks to a total absence of disease. The summer was then very sunny with high temperatures that presaged high potential in terms of alcohol, but saving rains in mid-August allowed the grapes to slowly continue to mature. The harvest thus began on August 19th in very good conditions and 11 days ahead of 2021. It was punctuated by a few rainfalls in September which did not alter the superb quality of the grapes but made it necessary to carry out a light sorting in the vineyard. We have worked our rosés with finesse, for elegant, fruity and low-alcohol wines. The reds were gently vinified with delicate extractions which reveal particularly balanced wines. The first tastings suggest a 2022 vintage full of promise, with complex and aromatic palates and great balance.
Location
The two hectares that we cultivate as tenants are to the south of the Rasteau appellation, on south facing slopes relatively protected from the Mistral wind. 95 to 98% of the vines are Grenache.
Terroir
Ancient, stony terraces of sandy marl and Pliocene clay.
Ageing
A part of the harvest is vinified in whole clusters, with the remainder being destemmed. Temperatures are controlled throughout the vinification process and extraction is by cap punching or pumping over. Following malolactic fermentation, 90% of the wine is aged in stainless-steel vats and 10% in foudres for one year to allow the wine to mellow and develop its characteristic silkiness.
Varietals
Grenache : 80%
Syrah : 20%
Syrah : 20%
Specifications
Alcohol content : 13,5 % vol.
Contains sulphites.
Advice
Serving
Serve at 18°C in tasting glasses with flavoursome, rustic cuisine.
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Tasting
Elegant velvety garnet-red colour with shiny undertones. The nose opens up with a beautiful minerality and offers an attractive aromatic complexity with aromas of black cherries and spices, delicately blended with subtle smoky notes. Full bodied and delicious, the palate is powerful and well balanced with lots of freshness, aromas of black fruit, “garrigue” and a beautiful structure with silky and delicate tannins. The finish is long and extends the power of the aromas underlined by great freshness.
Food pairings
Avignon-style lamb stew, beef cheek and polenta.