Made from old-vine Grenache in the Southern Rhône, this rich, sweet red wine is a different expression of Rasteau. Domaine La Soumade’s Vin Doux Naturel combines ripe fruit with the richness and warmth of a fortified wine, while retaining enough freshness to keep it balanced.
The Grenache grapes are hand-picked from vines aged between 40 and 80 years, growing on the clay-limestone soils around Rasteau. After traditional red-wine fermentation in open stainless-steel tanks, with regular punching down of the skins to extract colour and flavour, grape-derived alcohol is added to stop fermentation while natural grape sugars remain. This process, known as mutage, gives the wine its sweetness and fortified character. It is then matured for 18 months, mainly in enamel-lined tanks, with around 20% aged in large 600-litre oak barrels.
Tasting note
Deep garnet in colour, with aromas of ripe plums and dark fruit, followed by dried figs, dates and a delicate smoky note. The palate is generous and smooth, with concentrated fruit, a lovely sweetness and enough freshness to prevent it from becoming cloying. The finish is long, with lingering notes of dried fruit and dark berries..
Serving suggestion: Serve lightly chilled at 10–13°C. Try it with a rich chocolate pudding, dark chocolate or a good blue cheese.
