Domaine de la Soumade Rasteau Rhône Valley, France
Rasteau is located about 15 miles northeast of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Here, the Mediterranean climate (characterized by hot, dry summers), south-facing slopes (great sun exposure and protection from the Mistral winds), and clay/limestone soils bring forth compelling wines with ripe fruit characters layered with terroir-driven accents that give away their origins.
Domaine de la Soumade is a small, family-owned estate established in 1990 by André Romero. Working with his son, Frédéric, and wine consultant, Stéphane Derenoncourt, he tends to his 30 hectares of vineyards with meticulous care and takes a non-interventionist approach to winemaking in order to reflect the unique expression and potential of the terroir. His efforts are on display in this beautiful wine.
Fermented and aged on the lees for 18 months in stainless steel tanks, this blend of 80% grenache, 10% syrah, and 10% mourvèdre has aromas of blackberries, cassis, and black cherries, with notes of thyme, rosemary, cracked pepper, violets, leather, and a touch of earthiness. The palate is full-bodied, with flavors of black plums, black cherries, and blueberries framed by fine-grained tannins. There's vibrant acidity for balance and a core of minerality and savory herb characters that add depth and complexity. The wine is robust yet refined, with earthy undertones and subtle spice. The finish is long and layered, echoing dark fruits, crushed stone, and dried herbs.
Press:
93 points, Wine Enthusiast:
"Aromatic and captivating, this wine weaves violet into a compact layer of cassis, light musk, and warm earth, creating a perfume-like bouquet that is both deep and delicately floral. On the palate, it's beautifully balanced, with black fruit nestled between a firm, stony texture that adds structure and depth. Approachable now, it's a wine that shines with elegance." (9/1/25)
"Aromatic and captivating, this wine weaves violet into a compact layer of cassis, light musk, and warm earth, creating a perfume-like bouquet that is both deep and delicately floral. On the palate, it's beautifully balanced, with black fruit nestled between a firm, stony texture that adds structure and depth. Approachable now, it's a wine that shines with elegance." (9/1/25)
93 points, Jeb Dunnuck:
"Deeply hued, the 2022 Rasteau offers blueberries, peppery herbs, and violets in a beautifully concentrated, round, open, and expressive style with impressive mid-palate depth. Drink over the coming 10-12 years." (4/1/25)
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): ~15%
Farming Practices: Traditional viticulture; clay-limestone soils; mostly older vines
Producer Name: Domaine de la Soumade
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: France
Region: Rhône Valley – Southern Rhône, Rasteau AOC
Grape Varietals: Predominantly Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Southern Rhône red – full-bodied, structured, dark-fruited, herbal
Winemaking Techniques: Traditional fermentation, maceration with gentle extraction, and aging in stainless steel.
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Cork
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