Domaine la Soumade, Rasteau, 2022, Rasteau (AOC)

'One-Liner'
A rich, polished southern Rhône red with dark fruit, violet lift and a fresh, stony finish.

Tasting Note
Deep ruby in the glass. The nose is aromatic and expressive, with violet, cassis, warm earth and a little musk. On the palate it is full-bodied but balanced, with black fruit, rounded tannins and a firm, stony backbone that keeps the wine focused rather than heavy.

Country: France
Region: Rhone
Sub-Region: Rasteau AOC
Grape(s): Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
ABV: 14.5%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian

Awards & Critics' Scores
93pts - Wine Enthusiast

The Story
Domaine la Soumade is one of the names most closely associated with modern Rasteau. The Romero family estate now covers around 26 hectares in the commune, with Grenache at its heart and many vines between 50 and 100 years of age. Clay and limestone soils do a lot of the work here, giving the wines their depth and warmth, while Frédéric Romero has carried the domaine forward in a style that keeps all that southern Rhône generosity without letting the wines become cumbersome. That balance is really what makes this bottle so appealing.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Classic rustic duck parmentier
- Vegetarian: Chestnut mushroom pithivier with a dressed green salad
- Vegan: Roast aubergine, lentil and tomato bake with herbs