The AOC

This unique terroir has produced 2 Crus: Vin Doux Naturel Rasteau and AOC Rasteau dry red wine.

The regulations

Having obtained Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status, wines and winegrowers must comply with the quality requirements defined by the INAO (Institut national de l'origine et de la qualité), in the AOC Rasteau specifications.

On one hectare of vines, a winegrower can produce

  • 30 hl of Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel
  • 38 hl of A.O.C Rasteau wine
  • 46 hl of A.O.C Côtes du Rhône wine

A.O.C Rasteau (Red) - Proportional rules for the vineyard

  • Grenache Noir : greater than or equal to 50%.
  • Mourvèdre Noir et Syrah Noir : greater than or equal to 20%.
  • Accessory grape varieties (Carignan, Cinsault, etc...) : less than or equal to 15%.
  • White grape varieties : less than or equal to 5%.

A.O.C Vin Doux Naturel Rasteau - Rules for plot proportions.

  • Grenache Noir/Gris/Blanc : greater than or equal to 90%.
  • Accessory grape varieties : less than or equal to 10%.

Grape varieties

Grenache noir
A traditional grape variety of the Rhone Valley, it accounts for at least 50% of the vines in the Rasteau Rouge Sec appellation and 75% for the VDN. The vineyard boasts an exceptional heritage of old Grenache vines, some of which are over a hundred years old. It is vigorous and resistant to wind and drought. It brings finesse, red fruit and licorice aromas. A ruby-red color with hints of garrigue.
Syrah
Syrah is often blended with Grenache Noir for balance. It gives wines elegance, intense color and aromas of blackcurrant, violet, cherry or licorice.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre is also often blended with Grenache Noir to ensure balanced wines. It produces elegant wines with aromas of undergrowth and fruit.
Carignan
Carignan is a complementary grape variety. It is therefore authorized in the blend by the appellation's specifications, with a maximum of 15% in the blend. It adds tension and aromatic notes of black fruit and garrigue.
Cinsault
This is a complementary grape variety. It is therefore authorized in the blend by the appellation's specifications, with a maximum of 15% in the blend. It brings suppleness and fruity aromas of raspberry and strawberry.
Other accessory grape varieties
Accessory grape varieties contribute to the quality and nobility of Rasteau wines. Bourboulenc, brun argenté (locally known as camarèse or vaccarèse), clairette, clairette rose, counoise, grenache blanc, grenache gris, marsanne, muscardin, piquepoul blanc, piquepoul noir, roussanne, terret noir, ugni blanc, viognier, with white varieties limited to 10% of the total. Each grape variety brings its own qualities and, when combined with the others, achieves balance and harmony.

Key figures

Surface area of the commune of Rasteau 1900 ha
Surface area of the appellation classified as Cru Rasteau 1170 ha
Total wooded area 320 ha
Sales distribution
Distribution of colors
Number of members in AOC Rasteau