RhonéA1 is a superco-op, an agglomeration of 5 existing co-ops from the South Rhône. Their range covers a distinct part of the Rhône méridional, based on where the member co-ops’ own members vineyards lie: the AOCs of Beaumes-de-Venise, Gigondas, Rasteau, Sablet, Vacqueyras and Visan.
Included in their range is a Côtes du Rhône blended in collaboration with local chefs – “Légende des Toques” – but for a few euro more their Rasteau blend is a distinct step up:
RhonéA Rasteau Tradition 2019
Rasteau has only been an AOC for dry red wines for a dozen years or so, and still flies under the radar next to Gigondas, Vacqueras and of course Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Perhaps there’s a certain underdoggedness (if such a word exists) which makes them state that Rasteau is a “Cru” on the label; or, perhaps, it’s for the benefit of consumers who aren’t that familiar with “Rasteau” but do know “Rhône”2.
Back to the wine itself, and this is a typical southern Rhône GSM blend, consisting of 60% Grenache (Noir), 25% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre. No oak is used for either fermentation or maturation – concrete tanks give a little softer edge than stainless steel but no added aromas or flavours.
It’s perhaps a touch darker in the glass than it’s CdR sibling: that’s the Syrah and Mourvèdre showing their face. The Grenache comes through strongly on the nose with a big hit of alpine strawberries and blackberries, but there’s also more intense and darker fruit, lavender, violets and thyme. The palate has all those herbs and dark fruit notes intertwined in a tasty package. The finish moves more towards black olive and savoury notes: once again the minor players make a big impression!
- ABV: 14.0%
- RRP: €19.95 currently down to €16.95
- Source: sample
- Stockists: O’Briens stores and obrienswine.ie
1No, there’s no circumflex over in RhonéA, despite there being one in Rhône. And no, I don’t know why not!
2Just like “Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux”; there will be some who aren’t familiar with “Blaye” but do know “Bordeaux”!
Hi and thank you so much for the highlight on our Rasteau Tradition!
Indeed, there is no “^” on Rhonéa 😉 ! This name was chosen in 2015, when the Co-op of Vacqueyras & Beaumes de Venise decided to join their forces. As we are a key player in the Rhône Valley, we wanted our name to evoke our region, our cradle. However, we also wanted the name to be specific to us. That is why we have chosen to take the accent away.
Another precision concerning Rhonea. It gathers 4 Co-op: Beaumes-de-Venise, Rasteau, Vacqueyras & Visan, representing 400 estate families and 2.900ha of vineyards in the southern Rhône Valley, among which 2.100 in Crus & Côtes du Rhône Villages. Best!
Merci pour les informations!