AOC vin doux naturel Rasteau
Rasteau’s sweet, fortified wines (Vins Doux Naturels) are quite extraordinary, made from 50-80-year-old Grenache noir vines grown in stony soils in south-facing vineyards.
The vines conserve their strength by producing no more than one bottle of wine per plant.
Grapes are harvested by hand and alcohol is added to the fermenting musts to stop fermentation and give two styles of Vin Doux Naturel.
Rasteau Doré is made in the same way as a rosé, by the saignée method, and shows a mellow amber colour with aromas of dried fruit and nuts, apricot and honey. It will keep well for up to eight years.
For Rasteau red VDN, the grapes are crushed and macerated in tanks. The resulting wine develops aromas of cooked prunes and warm spices, mellowing over time into a “rancio” oxidative style of wine. It can be aged for up to ten years, and will develop nutty, fruity aromas alongside scents of roasted coffee.
Such rare, rich wines, so skilfully crafted, deserve to be better known.
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