Rasteau

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Accessory grape varieties

Terroir

• The hilly terrain backing onto the southern flank of the Cairanne–Rasteau massif rises across three levels, from a plateau culminating at 360 metres down to terraces descending to around 120 metres.
• On the plateau, which is largely wooded, the vines occupy the south-facing slope up to 320 metres in altitude, on sandy-loamy, stony soils derived from Tortonian conglomerate formations.
• The intermediate hillside zone, between 160 and 290 metres in altitude, constitutes the principal area of vineyard establishment, with marl soils ranging from sandy clay to clayey sand.
• The zone of several levels of ancient terraces, between 120 and 160 metres in altitude, presents soils derived from the stony Quaternary terraces (Mindel and Riss).
• The Mediterranean climate is characterised by a mean annual temperature of 13 to 13.5 °C and rainfall of 700 to 800 mm concentrated in spring and autumn, while the Mistral, a cold, drying wind from the north, is partially contained by the hilly relief.

• The Rasteau vineyard was rebuilt after the phylloxera crisis mainly through replanting with Grenache, Clairette and Carignan, recovering its pre-phylloxera importance as early as 1905.
• The vines are traditionally trained as bush vines (gobelet), notably for the Grenache variety, and more recently on the Royat cordon system with short pruning.
• The appellation d'origine contrôlée «Rasteau» was recognised as early as 1944 for the naturally sweet wine (vin doux naturel) produced from the grape varieties Grenache, Grenache gris and Grenache blanc.
• In 1741, the commune's deliberation records attest to the decision to enforce compliance with a harvest opening date (ban des vendanges), evidence of the economic importance of local viticulture.

• The still red wines account for 98% of volumes produced; they are full-bodied with an excellent tannic structure, derived from a yield of 38 hectolitres per hectare, and show a good capacity for ageing.
• The red naturally sweet wine (vin doux naturel) offers an intense aromatic richness recalling well-ripened stone fruits, with a fine balance between sweetness and tannic structure.
• The rosé naturally sweet wine (vin doux naturel) often presents fruity aromas of kirsch and cherry brandy, frequently evolving towards notes of fruit jam and then dried fruit.
• The naturally sweet wines (vins doux naturels) bearing the designations «hors d'âge» and «Rancio» generally develop, over a long period of ageing, notes of dried fruit, empyreumatic character or roasting.

• The control of production combined with optimal ripeness conditions yields Grenache wines that are rich in alcohol, full and powerful, with aromatic richness and tannic structure.
• The combination of the fullness and power of Grenache with the richness in polyphenolic compounds of Syrah and Mourvèdre gives the red wines a structure and balance that ensure good keeping over time.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

Dénominations géographiques complémentaires

• Rasteau tranquille AOC (PDO)

All appellations in France

Sources

• Product specification (BO Agri, PDF) — approved 11 janvier 2024, JORF 19 janvier 2024
• Official INAO text (show_texte)
• INAO product entry
• Official trade body site — Inter Rhône