2018 Les Collines, Rasteau

This wine is a parcel selection from edge of the Gayére river. The medium altitude marl terroir of the Collines de Rasteau protects the vines during drought periods thanks to its proximity to the water. Our red grapes can therefore express their full potential, especially the Mourvédre. It is characteristically highly aromatic, drawing from the depths of the riverbed its spicy aromas and powerful tannins that are tempered by the smoothness of the Grenache and the silkiness of the Syrah which also form part of the blend. With a gleaming purple red colour this opulent wine offers superb concentration in notes of black fruit such as blackcurrant or blackberry, lifted by a smoky, toasted finish, that is the result of the complementarity between the Mourvédre and the barrel. In the mouth it is full bodied and complex, with blackcurrant and spices, and hints of black olive underpinned by toasted notes. Deep and rich, this blend proudly bears the stamp of Mourvédre. DWWA 2020 - Platinum Medal (97/100)

---

Viticulture

Les Collines make up one of the principal terroirs of Rasteau. Situated to the west of the village in the direction of Cairanne, the soils are composed of stony colluvions from the Quaternary period, on a bed of marl of varying depths. The presence of marl produces grapes of great quality, for wines that are very fruity and well-balanced, whilst the clay, often abundant gives tannins of great finesse. The particularity of this terroir is its proximity to the Gayére river, that meanders through the parcels. This water is a source of nourishment for the vines and notably allows the Mourvédre to give the best of itself. Perfect conditions for a variety that is said to flourish with its feet in the water and its head in the sun.

---

Vinification

The grapes are picked in whole bunches, by hand into small crates of no more than 16kg during the cool hours of the early morning for these exceptional parcels. On arrival at the cellar the grapes pass into a vibrating hopper to preserve the integrity of the berries. They are then destemmed and transferred by gravity into small stainless-steel vats to be vinified by parcel and by grape variety. Careful monitoring of temperatures ensures controlled extractions during fermentation. Gentle and regular immersion of the cap ensures optimum extraction of colour and tannins. skin maceration can last up to three weeks. As 2018 was a particularly hot year, the juice was put into barrel. the choice of container and type of wood was made according to the typicity of each grape variety: a 45hL tun for the Mourvédre, new 300L barrels for the Syrah and two large format barrels (foudres of 10 and 15hL) for the Grenache.

---

Recommendation

Best served with a robust dish such as grilled pork with Espelette pepper, saddle of lamb with black olives, or roasted pigeon with a flavourful sauce.