History
« The history of Rasteau is that of passionate winegrowers, proud of the work they have accomplished and determined to gain recognition for their wine... »
Rasteau, a coveted terroir
Traces of Roman thermal baths and amphorae confirm the presence of Roman civilizations and the presumed birth of Rasteau from 30 BC onwards. The first sweet Voconces wines - including Rasteau - were discovered in 70 AD.
In the Middle Ages, this ancestral land of vineyards and winegrowers, a source of profits, remained under the protection of the ecclesiastical world, despite the pressure of the powerful lords of the time, who repeatedly tried to seize it. Until the 14th century, the Church and the bishops of Vaison-la-Romaine made Rasteau their most important wine supplier.
The era of the Crusades was merciless for the village, which nevertheless avoided the terrible plague of 1597. Weakened, the villagers retreated behind the ramparts of their fortifications. Rural dwellings outside the fortified walls did not make a comeback until the 19th century.
Thanks to their passionate courage and tenacity, the winegrowers of Rasteau have succeeded in giving shape to this fabulous terroir, which today lives on in the sweetness of its precious nectars.
Rasteau, Land of wines
Rasteau has always depended on its agricultural production. As early as 1269, wheat, rye, oats and spelt, as well as olives and vines, covered the slopes of this nourishing land. At the time, the cultivation of cereals limited that of vines, storage and preservation methods were limited and transport difficulties restricted wine production to local use.
Woods and garrigue cover ¾ of the commune's surface area, and the silkworm, introduced to the Comtat in the 13th century, made it rich. Olive-growing was ravaged by the frosts of 1671 and 1790, while cereal-growing also declined, hit by harsh winters.
From then on, Rasteau became a monoculture vineyard. Under the supervision of the church and the bishops of Vaison la Romaine, vineyards began to develop from the end of the 13th century, making Rasteau the main supplier of wine. After phylloxera struck in 1870, the vineyards were destroyed and life became difficult for the people of Rasteau. Hope returned at the beginning of the 20th century with the introduction of American grafted vines. After the First World War, vines gradually regained a respectable position.
Tired of being at the mercy of grape merchants and winemakers, winegrowers organized themselves and created the first cooperative winery in 1925. At the same time, the first caves particulières de Rasteau were created, putting a definitive end to producers' emancipation.
Successive awards of the Côtes du Rhône, Vin Doux Naturel Rasteau and Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau appellations confirm the recognized quality of Rasteau wines. On November 24, 2010, the award of the AOC Rasteau rouge is the reward for many years of perseverance and the recognition of a unique know-how.
- 1817
First harvest declaration
- 1925
Creation of the first cooperative winery and the birth of the first private wineries in Rasteau
- 1935
Production of sweet Natural wine
- 1937
Decree of the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation
- 1944
Decree of the sweet Natural wine appellation
- 1966
Red wines receive the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Rasteau appellation
- 2010
Decree establishing the Rasteau AOC for still red wines
