Rhône

Independent communal region in the département Vaucluse in the Appellation Côtes du Rhône-Villages (see there for AC regulations) in southern France. The commune is allowed to add its name on the label. The vineyard area totals 750 hectares, the soils are limestine-rich, with marl and reddish soils on sandstone. The AC „Côtes du Rhône-Villages Rasteau” for red wines was created in 1966, rosé and white wines were only added in the early 1990’s. Well-known producers include Caves des Vignerons de Rasteau, Domaine Didier Charavin, Domaine de la Grangeneuve, Domaine de Girasols, Domaine la Soumade and Domaine des Coteaux des Travers.

An appellation Rasteau has been in place for vin doux naturel since 1944. This is one of two appellations on the Rhône for sweet dessert wines, the other one is Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise. It is produced in white, rosé and red versions. All the variants are made from Grenache (minimum of 90%), as well as from Bourboulenc, Clairette, Cinsaut, Counoise, Mourvèdre, Picardan, Picpoul, Roussane, Syrah, Terret Noir, Ugni Blanc, Vaccarèse, Viognier and other varieties. The colour depends on the method of vinification, the red version is fermented on the skins. The AC Rasteau Rancio is for a special wine with a madeirised taste, this is matured for two years in oak barrels that are exposed to the sun. Well-known producers include Domaine de Char-à-Vin, Gourt de Mautens, Domaine de la Grangeneuve, Domaine la Soumade, Tardieu-Laurent, Francis Vache and Cave des Vignerons.