🍷 Rasteau VDN
A sweet fortified Grenache wine from the village of Rasteau in the Rhône.
Rasteau is a sweet fortified wine from the village of Rasteau in the southern Rhône valley, France. It belongs to the family of vins doux naturels, or 'naturally sweet' wines.
It is made mainly from Grenache, in its black, grey and white forms. During fermentation grape spirit is added to the juice. Fermentation stops, some sugar remains, and the wine comes out sweet and strong, at about 15–16%.
There are several styles. The red 'grenat' is aged away from air and smells of cherry and black berries. Amber and 'tuilé' versions are aged with air, sometimes for years, and gain notes of nuts, dried fruit and rancio. White and rosé versions also exist.
Rasteau became famous for its fortified wines. Since 2010 the name has also covered dry red wines, but the fortified wine is still labelled as a vin doux naturel. Rasteau is part of French wine and a relative of Banyuls and Rivesaltes.
How it connects to Wine
🍷 Rasteau VDN → → → 🍇 Grenache → kind of → 🍇 Grape varieties → kind of → 🍷 Wine
Links
- Part of
- 🍷 Vin doux naturel
- Where it is made
- 🗺️ French wine
- Related to
- 🍇 Grenache
- Similar and different
- 🍷 Vin doux naturel
Frequently asked questions
What is Rasteau VDN?
A sweet fortified Grenache wine from the village of Rasteau in the southern Rhône.
How strong is Rasteau?
Usually about 15–16% alcohol.
Can Rasteau be dry?
Yes. Since 2010 the name also covers dry reds, while the fortified wine is labelled vin doux naturel.
Similar
🍷 Maury · 🍷 Banyuls · 🍷 Rivesaltes · 🍷 Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise · 🍷 Vin gris · 🍷 Mutage
⚠️ Wine contains alcohol: adults only, drink in moderation. Wine usually contains sulphites; egg white or milk proteins are sometimes used for fining — important for allergies and for vegans.