Winemaker Notes
A perfect example of the typicity of Rasteau: beautiful dark color; notes of spices and ripe fruit on the nose. The mouth is rich and deep with long lasting aromas of red fruits and soft tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Find notes of charcuterie and roasted meats over black olives, plums, rose water and wild thyme in the nose of this full-bodied blend. Despite its intense nose, it is surprisingly more agile and approachable to enjoy now.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
A highly successful southern Rhone village promoted to Cotes du Rhone Villages status because of its intense and heady red wines, Rasteau is also recognized for its fortified wine, Vin Doux Naturel. Grenache is responsible for both styles. Rasteau also produces refreshing white and rosé table wines.