Soil: At just a few kilometers from the 'Dentelles de Montmirail', the Rasteau vineyard is one of the most impressive of the Vaucluse region. It now spreads out onto brown chalky soils and poor soils on marls.
Harvesting: Hand harvesting at peak maturity.
Vinification: The grapes are 100 % destemmed. The maceration is between 15 and 21 days long with two daily pumpings.
Maturing: The wine is aged in oak casks and in vats. The wine is assembled before bottling, after 12 to 16 months of maturing.


'Chapoutier’s 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau displays a big, dense ruby/purple color in addition to copious notes of chocolate, scorched earth, licorice, pepper, black currants, and black cherry offered in a full-bodied, heady format. Michel Chapoutier fashions some terrific low-end wines that sell for a song, and in 2007, they are of exceptionally high quality. The handful of 2008s I tasted also look very good for the vintage. These are sleeper selections.' Rated: 90 Points » Robert Parker; The Wine Advocate

'Very bright fruit, with lots of red cherry and blueberry notes mixed with spice cake and licorice notes. Slightly firm, raisined edge moves in on the finish. Grenache and Syrah. Not imported into the U.S. Drink now.' Rated: 89 Points » James Molesworth; Wine Spectator