Domaine la Soumade Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel (50cl) 2018 Hors d’age

The Roméro vineyards date back to the early part of the last century. Up until 1979, the grapes were sent to the local cooperative. André Roméro was the first of his family to ferment wine from the family vineyards. Ownership of the domaine is now in the hands of his son, Fredéric who has continued his father’s approach of growing full bodied reds with fine tannins, luscious fruit and great ageing potential, particularly for their top cuvées. The domaine covers 31 ha (76 acres), mostly in the cru of Rasteau with 3 ha of terrace vineyards in Gigondas and some vineyards in Côtes du Rhône classification. The terroir of Rasteau is mostly on south-facing slopes with a little more clay than some other appellations which produces full-bodied wines. The domaine is focussed on dry reds but also produces a Vin Doux Naturel (fortified) red wine which is wonderful with blue cheese and chocolate. The winemaking emphasises good, but soft extraction and precise temperature control. The reds are fermented in stainless and large wooden vats for the more concentrated juice. The three main Rasteau cuvées are aged in concrete and foudres (large, old oak barrels). The top cuvées are partially aged in used demi-muid (600 litre) oak casks.