Domaine des Escaravailles La Ponce Rasteau 2018

Description

Domaine des Escaravailles La Ponce Rasteau 2018 smells divine; blueberry, blackcurrant and blackberry with a hint of floral – violets?. Hints of chocolate and Rhône-typical herbs are more evident on tasting though it is still the fruits that dominate the palate – blackberry, blueberries and strawberries. 2018 was the fourth hot vintage in a row and you can tell from the ‘warmth’ of the wine and the high-ish alcohol. But don’t let that put you off as the alcohol is really well balanced with the fruits and fresh acidity and the wine (perhaps unexpectedly) elegant, with muted and soft tannins.  There is a long, complex finish; this is a superb Rhône wine, no wonder it’s a customer favourite!

Domaine des Escaravailles La Ponce Rasteau 2018 is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah or Shiraz. Grenanche, which must be a minimum 50% of the blend, provides structure and aromatic wines that are generous and fuller-bodied; it grows well in Rasteau with its exposed hillsides and dry, barren land. Syrah contributes intense colour, elegance and notes of black fruits, violet and spices. Read about the Rhône crus and other appellations in my Rhône red wines blogpost.

Considered one of the more successful Côtes du Rhône villages in the region, still red wine from Rasteau stepped up from a Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation to its own Rasteau appellation in 2010. This wine is a typical Rhône blend of Grenache and Syrah or Shiraz, in this instance 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah.  If you are a fan of good Châteauneuf-du-Pape, you will love Domaine des Escaravailles La Ponce Rasteau 2018.

Escaravailles is the name for beetles in the local dialect, Occitan, hence the beetle on the label and on the cork of this bottle; it is also said to be a nickname for black-robed monks that used to tend the vineyards in days gone by.   This small winery, in the same family since 1953, is situated high up in the Rasteau region; its Grenache vines are c. 60 years old and its Syrah vines c. 35 years old.  The ageing vines help add to the intensity and complexity of flavours.