(© Christophe Grilhé)
Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel wines are sweet wines from the parish of Rasteau, in the southern Rhone valley. They are made in various hues: blanc, ambré, grenat, rosé and tuilé, all from Grenache grapes (Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris or Grenache Noir).
The ambré and tuilé wines can be made in a distinctive Rancio style, golden-brown and oxidized in much the same way as Madeira. 'Rancio' is a term used in several languages to describe wines which have been deliberately exposed to oxygen or heat. Rasteau Rancio wines are aged for a minimum of 12 months, during which time they are deliberately allowed to oxidize as the wine naturally evaporates from the barrel. The tannins that remain are definitive of the style and add a character that almost all other sweet wines lack. The wines are generally full-flavored and well-rounded and show aromas of stewed fruits and prunes, combined with woody notes depending on the length of time spent in barrel.
Vins doux naturel (naturally sweet wine) is produced by using pure grape spirit to stop fermentation, while there is still a significant quantity of sugar remaining. This process results in a sweet wine with a higher alcohol level (around 16% in this case).
Rasteau's vineyards also produce dry red wines of high quality. For many years, these were produced and sold under the Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau appellation, but were promoted to full, independent AOC status in July 2010. They are now also labeled as 'Rasteau', meaning that consumers should pay particular attention to whether they are purchasing a dry table wine or a sweet vin doux naturel. For information and listings of these dry wines, see Rasteau.
