Domaine Coteaux des Travers Rasteau

Southern Rhône Region

Rasteau is a small village (population 696) located in the Southern Rhone a short three miles east of Cairanne and 10 miles north of Gigondas. Until about ten years ago, Rasteau was most known for Vin Doux Naturels (VDN) or muted-sweet wines. These were made from overripe Grenache, whose fermentation was stopped with the addition of alcohol, yielding a rich red wine not unsilimar to port. As Beaumes de Venise was known for its sweet white Muscat, Rasteau was known for its sweet red Grenache.

The soils of Rasteau

These wines are still made in Rasteau, but are not very well known outside the area. Understandably, as sweet wines' popularity has dwindled, the trend has been to make dry wines that can be sold the same year and be consumed in larger quantities.

Robert Charavin

Charavin is a common name in Rasteau, and there are four producers who carry this name. Robert Charavin owns the Domaine des Coteaux de Travers (which literally means "Domaine of the slopes facing the rising sun." Elie Charavin began cultivating the vines in 1931, and following the second world war, the domaine expanded greatly. Robert Sr. took over in 1955 and, in 1976, sold his first wines in bottle. Robert Jr. took over the domaine in 1985.

Today Robert has 18 hectares (45 acres) planted with eight grapes (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier). The vines average 40 years old. Charavin attempts to minimize his use of chemical products in the vineyard, instead relying on different types of grass between the vines which also help prevent erosion. All the grapes are hand-harvested.

Want to buy?

E-mail us for info at contact@charlesnealselections.com

Shipping laws vary from state to state. To best serve you, please send us your location and we will send you information on the nearest retail source.

Copyright © 2005 Charles Neal Selections

Visit us online at www.charlesnealselections.com