Rasteau Wine Region

Rasteau is one of France's top appellation villages, well known for its delicious red wines. The area produces both fortified and unfortified wines. These fortified sweet wines come in three different hues and are sold under the Rasteau AOC. Rasteau and sections of Cairanne and Sablet are included in the area. This wine hamlet is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, with terraced vineyards overlooking the Dentelles de Montmirail. The area, like other southern Rhone wine appellations, concentrates on farming Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. Rasteau wines have an incredible aromatic character with notes of spices, rose petals, and black fruits.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Rasteau!

Where is the Rasteau wine region?

Rasteau is a wine-growing town in the Vaucluse department of France's southern Rhone wine region. The wine appellation lies on the banks of the Ouveze river on the slopes facing south. The wine area is close to other prominent southern Rhone wine districts such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Tavel, and Vacqueyras. From all directions, the territory is surrounded by Cotes du Rhone and Cotes du Rhone communities. Vacqueyras and Gigondas are located in the region's south. The region is about 20 kilometers northeast of Orange. Rasteau is located 200 kilometers south of Lyon.

History of the Rasteau wine region

Winemaking in the Rasteau wine region dates back to the 1st century during the Roman expansion era. The region started producing fortified wines in 1934 and received AOC status for these wines in 1944. The region also produces dry red wines which were sold under Cotes du Rhone villages, later these wines were also added to AOC only in 2010.

The terroir and geography of the Rasteau wine region

The Rasteau wine region has a Mediterranean climate which gets hot and dry during the summers. Mistral winds from the North flow across the region which can be challenging sometimes but mostly helps prolong the maturation of the grapes. The soil in the region is mostly clay and limestone. The vineyards are covered in rounded cobbles which help retain heat and offer some protection from intense evaporation. 

Popular grape varieties from the Rasteau wine region

Grenache noir, Grenache Gris, and Grenache blanc are the main grape varieties used to make their well-known fortified wines. The majority of Rasteau's red wines are made entirely of Grenache Noir. There are around 18 additional types authorized in the region, the majority of which are used as auxiliary grapes for Rasteau AOC. Syrah, Mourvedre, Carinena, Carignan, Picpoul, Terret Noir, Cournoise, Muscardin, Vaccarese, Picardan, Cinsault, Clairette, Roussanne, and Bourboulenc are among the other grape varieties grown in the region.

Food to pair with Rasteau wine 

Soufflé au Chocolat

Chocolate soufflé is a delectable French dessert made with dark chocolate, a creamy egg yolk base, and fluffy egg whites. It's typically made in small ramekins and should always be lightly baked to keep the center soft and velvety, with a delectable, crunchy top.

Fichi mandorlati

Fichi mandorlati are a typical Italian dessert from Puglia. It's produced using a basic combination of dried figs, whole almonds, and little bits of lemon peel. The figs are split and butterflied before being placed cut side up on a baking sheet.

One half is topped with a whole almond, the other with lemon zest. The whole fig is then topped with another cut-side-down butterflied fig. Bake the stuffed figs until they turn dark brown and harden. The figs should be cooled to room temperature before eating.

Sachertorte

The sachertorte was initially created for royalty and consists of three main components: a chocolate sponge cake, apricot jam, and chocolate frosting. A chocolate sponge cake made with eggs, butter, and dark chocolate are divided into two layers; apricot jam is smeared on top of the bottom layer, and the other layer is placed on top.

The entire cake is then coated with apricot jam and completed with a chocolate glaze that is poured quickly over the jam-covered layers. Before serving, the completed cake is allowed to cool to room temperature.

Places to visit in the Rasteau wine region

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a French minor Basilica in Lyon which was built by one the famous architects, Bossan and Sainte Marie Perrin. The Basilica was built in 1870 from a private fund which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Basilica sits atop a hill in the heart of Lyon overlooking the city. It is believed that the church was built on a site that was once occupied by the Roman Forum of Trajan. The site is designated as a UNESCO world heritage site and is an emblem of Lyon. The church attracts more than 2.5 million pilgrims and visitors each year. The basilica is 86 meters long and 35 meters wide that flaunts unique architecture with Byzantine, Gothic, and Romanesque inspirations. 

Musée des Confluences

In Lyon, France, the Musée des Confluences is an anthropological museum and research center. The museum is located near the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers. The glass, concrete, and stainless steel structure resembles a lighthouse atop the cliff. The primary purpose of this museum is to foster scientific, technical, and social awareness of the world, people, history, and geography. Rather than a product showcase, the museum is viewed as a medium for knowledge dissemination.

Frequently asked questions about Rasteau