The Village of Rasteau

France’s Provence and the Rhone Valley offer some of world’s best food; it is Mediterranean style cuisine at its best and the local wines are perfect match for it.

Grenache Noir represents roughly 60% of all plantings in the Rhone Valley and is at the base for the wines of famous appellations like Chateauneuf  du Pape, Gigondas and  Vacqueyras.

The village of Rasteau is less well-known than the three aforementioned, but possesses the same high quality terroir, and therefore its wines represent a tremendous value.

 
The Vineyards of Rasteau; old vines Grenache

The Cave de Rasteau is the largest wine producer in the village and is one of the best-run wine cooperatives in France where the local growers take pride in crafting quality wines from old vine Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. It is hard to find better value wines not just in the Rhone region but anywhere for that reason.

We currently have the 2008 Dame Victoria Rasteau Cotes du Rhone Villages ($12); 2008 Red and White Les  Rastellains, Cotes du Rhone ($10); 2009 Rose Les  Rastellains ($10).

The red and rose wines exhibit typical-for-the-area aromas and flavors of field flowers, lavender and crushed red berries. The feel on the palate is soft and warm, the tannins are silky and the finish is clean and lasting. Pair the reds with grilled meats and aged cheeses. Try the rose with black olive tapenade!!!

 The white is unoaked, with flavors of citrus, dried fruits and yellow flowers. Pairs well with seafood pasta, grilled fish, anchovies pizza, grilled chicken etc.

--Atanas Nechkov, Wine Supervisor, Central Florida