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Emilie RACHENNE 1 Place de l'Église 84 110 Rasteau Tel : + 33 (0)9 62 50 02 16 Fax : + 33 (0)9 71 70 58 58 [email protected]

PRESS CONTACT We agency

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PRESS KIT 2014 01

Rasteau, a Côtes-du-Rhône P. 02 Cru in « Body & soul »

Rasteau : One village... P. 04 two Crus

Once upon a time P. 06 in Rasteau

An outstanding terroir P. 10

Events and festivities P. 14 in Rasteau

List of producers P. 16 and negociants 02 03

Rasteau. A Cru from the southern Rhône Valley, the product Rasteau, or “Lou Rasteu” in Provençal, derives its name from the area’s unique topography: the surrounding hills of dedication on the part of local winegrowers, their willingness and valleys form a series of spurs which look rather like to share their skills within their community, and a naturally the teeth of a rake- un râteau. bountiful terroir. And Rasteau can now take its place alongside Châteauneuf- du-Pape, Côte-Rôtie and Gigondas, adhering to the stringent Rasteau, regulations imposed by the AOC. a Cotes-du-Rhone Cru in « Body & soul »

Rasteau’s wines reflect the character Syrah with its distinctive red fruit of its winemakers : they are sincere flavours adds elegance and complexity, and full of passion; they give selflessly while Mourvèdre, which enjoys the so that we can capture the true best of the sunshine, gives essence of things. these are generous, wellstructured tannins, power and good sensual wines; wines with great ageing potential. Rasteau wines have depth, whose diversified pebbly and inspired a loyal following over many clayley terroir (among which the decades, and are famous for their big Location well-known « blue marls » gives them personalities: fruity, heady and richness and finesse. powerful. They are popular with wine Avignon 35 km Orange 20 km Rasteau wine is authentic and full of aficionados who like to search out a Vaison-la-Romaine 10 km integrity, a combination of the real region’s signature wines. Autoroute and the ephemeral. Truly a wine for Rasteau’s vignerons are justly proud of A7 et A9 body and soul. their appellation, which is known not sorties Orange ou Bollène only in the Rhône Valley but throughout the wine in Body & soul Airport France. they have carefully retained the In the Rasteau vineyards, Grenache Avignon 40 km distinctive character of their Cru and Nîmes 80 km shares its space with syrah and Marseille 135 km the identity of their wines; their Mourvèdre. Grenache is the main ambition is to become the number TGV station varietal grown, and gives Rasteau wines Avignon 35 km u three Cru of the southern Rhône. a Orange 20 km e their roundness and a generous body. t s a R

C O A

Grapes are the only crop grown here in Rasteau. The growers are passionate about their product and take great pride in their skills. For many years they worked hard to achieve the AOC status they deserved: after all, Rasteau Vins Doux Naturel had been granted AOC status back in 1944. And then in 2010 - the ultimate accolade. Growers finally saw a reward for all their hard work: Rasteau dry red wines were elevated Key figures AOC status in their own right. After almost 30 years of perseverance, Rasteau reds were acknowledged AOC Rasteau for their distinctive qualities and rich terroir; at last Awarded on November 24th, 2010 they held the official title of Côtes du Rhône Cru. Geographical area Commune of Rasteau Production area 937.73 Ha in 2013 899 Ha (average 2010-2013) Colour Red 100% Harvest Chiefly manual Annual yield 26 824 Hl in 2013 29 614 Hl (average 2010-2013)

AOC Vin Doux Naturel Rasteau Awarded on January 4th, 1944 Geographical area Commune of Rasteau + 20 plots in Cairanne AOC Rasteau - Regulations and sablet Production area 24,72 Ha in 2013 From 1 ha of vines, the yield may not exceed: 36,42 Ha (average 2010-2013) • AOC Côtes du Rhône: 46 hl / Ha Colour Average 2010-2013 : Red (37.41%), Rosé • AOC Rasteau: 38 hl / Ha (58.93%) and white (3.66%) • Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel: 30 hl / Ha Harvest Manual AOC Rasteau: authorised grape varieties and proportions Annual yield • Grenache Noir: 50% or more 419,69 Hl in 2013 • Mourvèdre Noir and syrah Noir: 20% or more 997,05 Hl (average 2010-2013) • Supplementary varietals: 15% or less • White varietals: 5% or less

Rasteau : One village… AOC Vin Doux Naturel Rasteau: proportion of planted varieties • Grenache Noir/Gris/Blanc: 90% or more two Crus • Supplementary varietals: 10% or less The Rasteau appellations undergo analysis and organoleptic testing throughout This unique terroir brings us two outstanding the year; this is carried out by an authorised laboratory.

é Crus - Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel and Rasteau h l i r AOC dry red wine. G

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Rasteau’s history is one of impassioned winegrowers, proud of the work they do and determined to spread the word about Rasteau wines Rasteau, the village with throughout the world. three bell towers Rasteau, a village Once the seat of bishops, Rasteau still of mediaeval colours displays plenty of evidence of a past Rasteau is a small mediaeval village, dominated largely by the church, and full of Provençal charm - a true is known as the village of three bell Rasteau, masterpiece, steeped in the towers. To admire the scenery, an enviable terroir atmosphere of a bygone era. nothing can beat a stroll through the the archaeological remains of a Cobbled streets lead to a mediaeval old village, stopping first to admire the Roman baths and some amphora fort and the ruins of an ancient castle, chapel of Notre Dame Des Vignerons, fragments are evidence that the which are ready to transport visitors which dates back to the 18th century. Romans were present in Rasteau - back in time to experience their rich The tour continues to Place de and probably established what has become today’s village - from about 30 BC. the Voconces Vin Doux Naturels, including those of Rasteau, were first discovered in 70 A.D. Once upon a time In the middle ages, this historic land of vines and vineyards was the source of considerable profit, and remained under the protection of the in Rasteau é h l i

ecclesiastical community despite the r G

efforts of the all-powerful seigneurs of e h p o

the era, who tried many times to t s i r

wrest it away. until the 14th century, h C

the church and the bishops of © Vaisonla-Romaine ensured that Rasteau was one of their main wine and fascinating history. l’Horloge, where visitors can relax in suppliers. The village, with its cobbled streets, the shade of the cypresses and laurels The Crusades were a pitiless time for ruins and churches, has retained a to contemplate the bell-cote with its Rasteau, although the village remained delightful mediaeval ambience. At its historic clock, and finally, the warm largely untouched by the great plague heart, in the dappled shade of the colours of the stone façades will guide of 1597. Severely weakened, the centuries-oldplane trees, lies the visitors to the ruins ofthe castle, the villagers retreated behind the walls of Place de l’Apparent, exuding the walls of whose chapel alone survive. their fortifications, and the rural village charm of yesteryear. The church of st Didier was built in we know today was not to emerge 1005 by the Bishop of Vaison; it has again until the 19th century. In the 18th-century, the area was been restored numerous times, and bequeathed to the community by boasts a magnificent bell tower. Thanks to their courage and tenacity, Mademoiselle de l’Apparent, on At a human level, the Rasteau terroir Rasteau’s winemakers have shaped condition that it remained in use as a is both heart-warming and authentic. this magical terroir, which lives on space for children to play and for the To visit Rasteau is to journey to the é h l

i through the reputation of its highly villagers to enjoy. Even today, the very heart of its history, its flavours r G prized wines. and its scents…

e square is a hub of village activity. h p o t s i r h C

Rasteau, the land of wine Rasteau has always relied on its Life for the Rasteau villagers was hard agriculture. Since 1929, this fertile - until hope returned at the beginning land has seen a wide range of crops, of the 20th century in the form of a including wheat, rye, oats and spelt technique to graft vines onto as well as olives and vines. Back then, American root stocks. The vineyards farming cereal crops restricted vine gradually returned to their proper cultivation. hallowed place by the end of the First Storage was limited and preservation World War. complicated; also transport difficulties meant that wine was usually kept only In 1925, weary of being at the mercy for local consumption. Forest and of grape merchants and winemakers, scrubland covered some three the vignerons came together to form quarters of the commune, providing the first wine cooperative. At the same an ideal environment for the time, the first Rasteau-specific cellar silkworms which were introduced into was also established, spelling the end the area in the 18th century. The local for producer emancipation. olive groves were devastated by the frosts of 1671 and 1790, while cereal The wines’ AOC status, awarded first

crops were also affected by the cold for Côtes du Rhône, then Vin Doux é h l i winters, and they too went into Naturel Rasteau and finally Côtes du r G

decline. Rhône Villages Rasteau is testament h p o t

to the quality of Rasteau wines. The s i r h

From then on, Rasteau set a course culmination of many years of C

towards monoculture, growing only perseverance, Rasteau red was © vines. Viticulture began to develop awarded AOC status on November around the end of the 18th century, 24th, 2010 in recognition of unique under the care of the church and the winemaking skill. bishops of Vaison-la-Romaine, and Key dates soon Rasteau was a major wine supplier. In 1870 however, phylloxera 1817 struck and the vineyards were First Harvest Declaration decimated. 1925 First cooperative cellar established; founding of the first Rasteau-specific cellars

1935 First production of Vins Doux Naturels

1937 Côtes du Rhône Appellation granted full court recognition

1944 the decree of 4th January 1944 granted appellation status to Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel

1966 Red wines awarded Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau AOC status

2010

é still red wines elevated to AOC h l i

r Rasteau status by decree on G November 24th, 2010 e h p o t s i r h C

the ideal environment for quality The Rasteau vineyards are located in hollowed out to form the region’s bringing out the full expression of an ideal spot to the north of the famous spur landscape; in the each and every varietal in the blend. northern border of the Rhône Valley. south, a series of terraces Wine quality can be traced back to The river Ouvèze winds its way stretches along the slopes, adding that magical mix of resistant grapes through this landscape of vineyards, a different dimension to the countryside. and favourable soils, but the hills and plains while vineyards extend The Rasteau terroir is one of the Mediterranean climate, particularly Rasteau, over the whole of the Rasteau terrain, best in France for creating a quality the Mistral wind, plays a major never rising to more than 360 m product. A wide range of different part in providing idyllic conditions above sea level. In the north, the land soil types give Rasteau wines excellent for Rasteau’s grapes. A true gift an exceptional is made up of hills and short valleys complexity; they are perfect for from Mother Nature! terroir

Nurtured by the Mistral AOC Rasteau wines enjoy a tha t we can produce big characterful This is a cleansing wind, whose effect

é h

l Mediterranean-type microclimate, wines, rich, generous and full of would be devastating were it not for i r G

with mild, sunny winters and hot sunshine. Another crucial factor is the natural amphitheatre shape of the e h

p dry summers. Rainfall is infrequent, the presence of the Mistral, the vineyard. o t s i but can be heavy in spring legendary wind which blows r h C

and autumn It is enough to counteract through the Rhône Valley sweeping The sun and the Mistral, then, © summer droughts and give aside all adversaries as it goes, conspire together to make conditions the soils the water they require. and limiting the need for plant in the Rasteau vineyard the best they For the rest of the year, the sun protection measures. It brings vigour can be, and to ensure that Rasteau’s shines benignly from a cloudless to the vines and joy to the wine grapes thrive in their natural sky, warming our hearts and ensuring growers! environment.

A mosaic of vines Rasteau’s soils are essentially warm the vines at night, helping the Lower down, the terraces between made up of clay and limestone. grapes to ripen well and giving the 120 and 160 m above sea level are Three levels combine to give the resulting wine greater concentration. covered with pebbles, giving a robust soil its potency: the top level, on the Between 160 and 290 m above sea wine full of the classic Rasteau south-facing slopes some 320 m level, the more steeply sloping terrain scents and flavours. Rasteau’s above sea level, is composed of mainly faces south. This is mosaic of vines, full of character and c

u lacustrine marl with red and grey clay. where the majority of Rasteau personality, is the strength of this r T

s This is overlaid with rounded stones vines are planted. their roots Cru; its sparse soils yield high- e g r (galets roulés) which retain heat stretch down into skeletal soils on quality wine with an extraordinary o e G

Grenache, Varietals and wines AOC Rasteau gives the wines a good deal of finesse Food/wine pairings and adds body and roundness. Grenache … to wine True to its roots, Rasteau pairs beautifully wines are tannic, high in alcohol and with a classic Provençal beef stew, but would have excellent ageing potential. they are These big, sunshine-filled wines grow They make outstanding apéritifs and go equally well with a good cut of Aubrac beef a deep intense ruby red with a nose of complete with marrowbone. Rasteau AOC red fruit (particularly cherries) and ever more rich and complex,reflecting dessert wines, unlocking memories of ages well; after a few years’ cellaring it makes overtones of spice – a broad textured the many faces of their terroir. They Rasteau, not unlike Proust’s famous a perfect partner for many game recipes, for wine brimful of sunshine; traditional and instance wild duck or other wild game birds. authentic, with a distinctive Rasteau express the village’s own distinctive madeleine. They are powerful and full Or serve with gigot of lamb, charcuterie, blue personality. With its relatively high sugar cultural heritage, its warm, generosity of honeyed sweetness which cheese or chocolate fondant. levels – between 14˚ and 16° – Grenache and friendliness of spirit. Behind each transports you back to the heart of One of Rasteau’s outstanding qualities is its Noir is the principal variety behind potential for ageing – from 7 to 10 years, Rasteau’s Vin Doux Naturel. and every wine is the story of an this mediaeval village. T his is the depending on vintage. The wines mellow and impassioned winemaker, living out his archetypal “gastronomic” wine: a improve with age, and the finest vintages make an excellent digestif. Syrah, or her family heritage with pride. In hedonistic pleasure-trip! a variety from the northern Rhône, gives the wine structure on the palate and a every glass of Rasteau wine, we re-live Best served between 14° and 16° C. highly expressive range of aromas, from the individuality, the distinctive scents Vin Doux Naturel - Red red and black fruits (raspberries and and the flavours of the Rasteau terroir. blackcurrants) to violets, with hints of Full-Bodied and generous, this is a liquorice and spice. Wines made from Rasteau speciality. Fully-ripened stone Vins Doux Naturels Rasteau syrah tend to be dark red, giving Rasteau AOC Rasteau fruit and wild black berry fruits greet é wines their intensely red colour. Syrah Food/wine pairings h l

i Rasteau wines are outstanding blends r oxidises less readily than Grenache, and the nose, along with hints of warm Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel can be served with G enhances the Rasteau wines’ ageing a variety of sweet or savoury foods. The red is e of different varieties. The sun-soaked aromatic spices. A wealth of flavours h potential. With its reputation as an p grapes make highly distinctive wines perfect served with chocolate desserts, the o t “improving” varietal, it adds balance, lends superb complexity, and leads rosé with freshly pan-fried foie gras, while the s i r finesse and complexity. which are both elegant and powerful. white partners to perfection an herby goat’s h through to a silky smooth finish. C With their deep ruby red colour, a cheese in an ash crust. © nose of well-ripened red and black Mourvèdre, Vin Doux Naturel - Rosé Best served between 8° and 10° C . fruits a subtle background of garrigue, needs plenty of warmth and sunlight; it Rich and fruit-driven, with preserved Varietals and wines grows mainly on the southernmost and flavours of spices, cocoa, slopes where sun exposure is at its best. cherries, kirsch and sweet spices liquorice and leather, these wines are From wine… Mourvèdre grapes give the red blends giving it a broad, rounded feel. Full- good structure and longevity; they have a treat for the palate. They are bodied and complex, Vin Doux excellent ageing potential, as the quality rounded well-structured and complex, Grenache Noir is the dominant While these three make up the classic and intensity of flavour improves with Naturel Rosé develops over time to a perfect reflection of the distinctive variety in Rasteau; it is one of the Rhône GsM blend, a number of keeping. Along with notes of candied reflect the flavours of dried and traditional Rhône Valley varietals and supplementary varietals can be added fruits and a slight hint of barnyard, Rasteau terroir. Rich and elegant – a Mourvèdre enhances balance and adds candied fruits. must account for at least 50% of the to create the quality we expect from greater complexity. truly excellent, characterful red wine. total vine population. Rasteau. Vin Doux Naturel - White Grenache vines are some of the oldest The drought-resistant Carignan is the Vins Doux Naturels Rasteau With its amber hue, Rasteau Vin Doux in the vineyard with a number of plots oldest varietal in the terroir, at its best Rasteau Vins Doux Naturels are Naturel White is often described as being at least 50 years old and some in a hot dry terrain. available as reds, whites and rosés. “gold “. This is a sweet and luscious even 100! Carignan makes a generous, robust wine, with notes of honey and Syrah and Mourvèdre are an integral wine and improves ageing potential. apricots; florals, dried fruits and part of that legendary mix of grape Cinsault can be found in certain garrigue add to the outstanding and terroir which makes up the magic blends. With its delightful flavours of aromatic complexity. of AOC Rasteau wines. strawberry, raspberry and peach, it gives the final blend a supple softness.

a In 2014, AOC Rasteau will e t

s celebrate its 70 years old (vins a R

doux naturels) : the opportunity to l e C i n O a A discover this sincere and

Events and festivities t s a R

L’escapade des Gourmets Every year, the mediaeval village of escapade des Gourmets generally Rasteau at the heart of the Côtes du takes place on the second sunday in Rhône holds one of the most eagerly May. Now in its 14th consecutive anticipated events of the year. In the year, this year’s event is planned for merry month of May the “escapade May 19th, 2013. des Gourmets” is like a giant picnic, attracting almost 2,500 participants. Picnickers stroll through the vines and “La Nuit du Vin” Rasteau surrounding countryside, revelling in Every year on August 14th, from 5 the warm and friendly atmosphere for pm until midnight, the villagers come u

which Rasteau is famous. together to celebrate “La Nuit du Vin”. a e t s

During the day, local winegrowers Rasteau’s Wine Night is one of a R

come to meet these Rasteau France’s bigger wine festivals, hosting C O A enthusiasts, and introduce their wines over 10,000 visitors each year. © in a fun, festive environment which This is your chance to discover, or cannot fail to affect everyone who is rediscover, Rasteau wines: on a warm lucky enough to be taking part. The summer’s night in a delightful, memories are unforgettable. With a typically Provençal ambience. street glass at the ready, a pair of stout entertainments, live music and tasting shoes and the energy for a 6 km walk, stands will make your experience you have all you need for a happy unforgettable – an essential date for “escapade”! your diary! Gourmet refreshment breaks are included at intervals - everyone has the chance to enjoy the Cru wines paired with the region’s classic food specialities. é h l i r G

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List List of producers of negociants

Cave des Vignerons de Rasteau - ORTAS Domaine La Collière Domaine Martin Arnoux & Fils www.cavederasteau.com [email protected] www.domaine-martin.com www.arnoux-vins.com

Cave de Cairanne-Maison Camille Cayran Domaine de la Combe Dieu Domaine Mazurd Maison Brotte maisoncamillecayran.com Vignoble Serge Saurel www.domaine-mazurd.fr www.brotte.com [email protected] Domaine Mikael Boutin Brunel Père & Fils SARL Cave des Vignerons de Roaix-Séguret Château de la Gardine www.vignerons-roaix-seguret.fr Domaine Combe Julière [email protected] www.combe-juliere.com www.bpf-brunel.com Château La Courançonne Groupe Castel Domaine Moricelly www.lacouranconne.com Domaine des Coteaux-des-Travers www.groupe-castel.com www.coteaux-des-travers.com [email protected] Château de la Gardine Maison M.Chapoutier www.gardine.com Domaine de la Crémone Domaine Notre Dame des Pallières www.chapoutier.com [email protected] www.pallieres.com Château du Trignon Maison Gabriel Meffre www.famillequiot.com Domaine Didier Charavin Domaine des Nymphes www.gabriel-meffre.fr [email protected] www.domaine-des-nymphes.com Grands Vins Sélection Domaine Les Aphillanthes www.grandsvinsselection.fr [email protected] Domaine Elodie Balme Domaine Pique Basse [email protected] pique-basse.com Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Armand www.vignobles-alain-jaume.com www.domaine-armand.com Domaine des Escaravailles Domaine Rabasse-Charavin www.domaine-escaravailles.com [email protected] Famille Quiot Domaine des Banquettes www.famillequiot.com www.domaine-des-banquettes.com Domaine de l’Espigouette Domaine St Gayan www.espigouette.com www.saintgayan.com La Cerise SAS Domaine Beau Mistral www.domaine-beaumistral-rasteau.fr Domaine Fond-Croze Domaine La Soumade La Compagnie Rhodanienne www.domaine-fondcroze.com www.domainelasoumade.fr www.compagnierhodanienne.fr Domaine de Beaurenard Lavau SAS www.beaurenard.fr Domaine de la Garance Domaine du Trapadis www.lavau.eu www.domainedelagarance.com www.domainedutrapadis.com EARL Benoist-Honoré Les Grandes Serres [email protected] Domaine de la Girardière Domaine de Verquière www.grandesserres.com www.domaine-de-la-girardiere.fr domaine-de-verquiere.fr Domaine Bessac Les Vins de Vienne [email protected] Domaine des Girasols Domaine de la Vieille Ferme de l’Eoune www.vinsdevienne.com www.girasols.com [email protected] Domaine Bonnefoy Caroline Les Vins Skalli Domaine Grand Nicolet www.skalli.fr Château Notre Dame des Veilles Domaines Vincent Moreau www.domainegrandnicolet.fr www.galuval.com [email protected] Moncigale Domaine Les Grands Bois www.fruitsandwine.com Domaine Bonnefoy Laurence Domaine Wilfried www.grands-bois.com [email protected] www.domainewilfried.com Ogier www.ogier.fr Domaine Grange Blanche Domaine Bressy-Masson Dupeyre Pierre-Henry [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Les Vins Pierre Rougon www.lesvinspierrerougon.fr Domaine de la Maison Plantevin Lavau SAS Domaine Brusset Laurent Plantevin www.domainebrusset.fr www.lavau.eu Famille Perrin maisonplantevin.free.fr www.clubperrin.com Domaine Chamfort Vignobles St André Domaine Marcel Richaud [email protected] Dauvergne Ranvier www.domaine-chamfort.fr [email protected] www.dauvergne-ranvier.com

Domaine Villa Safranier Ravoire & Fils www.villa-safranier.com www.ravoire-fils