A rich, smooth and well-structured Southern Rhone red from the village of Rasteau. The nose is enlightened by beautiful floral aromas of lavender and violets leading onto a full, succulent, silky palate with flavours of black and red fruits, delicately spicy. There is a lovely freshness to the wine, a superb balance and lengthy finish.
- Winery: Domaine La Soumade - Frédéric Roméro
- Varietal: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
- Region: Rhone Valley, France
- Vintage: 2020
- Alcohol: 15%
- Volume: 750ml
- Closure: Cork
- Other: Sustainable Winegrowing, Vegan-Friendly
- Food match: Roast pork & lamb, game meat; stews and Goulash; grilled vegetables; Asian cuisine; softer & creamy cheeses
Andre Romero founded Domaine Soumade in 1979 and is now considered perhaps the finest producer in the region. The village of Rasteau was elevated to AOC status alongside Chateauneuf du Pape and Gigondas and 2010, and we find that while the styles are similar there is more freshness in Rasteau than the other two. The Cuvee Prestige is a gorgeous wine, made from a classic blend of Grenache (70%), Syrah (20%) and Mourvedre (10%) made with an extensive fermentation and maceration of nearly four weeks to extract colour, favour and tannins, following very gentle maturation in a combination of old 4,000L oak vats (foudres) and concrete tanks. This is a wine with beautiful perfume of violets and lavender, and stacked with the flavour of summer berries. The tannins are fine, sandy and delicately spicy.
Robert Parker described the estate as "The superstar of Rasteau… drop-dead delicious red wines."
Domaine La Soumade was founded by André Roméro in 1979. By 1990, this passionate winegrower had achieved his long-cherished ambition of selling his entire production in bottle. And in 1996, André was joined by his son Frédéric, after he had obtained his BEPA Diploma in viticulture and oenology. A new modern winery was built in 2002, the same year that a partnership with consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt and his team began. Stéphane encouraged gentler and more finely-tuned vinification techniques, so as to better reflect the unique expression and potential of the terroir. Without doubt, the wines have achieved greater finesse and purity. As of today, the estate covers 26 hectares in the commune of Rasteau and an additional hectare in Gigondas - a small terraced vineyard near the Dentelles de Montmirail. The clay - limestone soils of Rasteau produce naturally powerful wines with great ageing potential.