Maison Lavau Rasteau 2021 – powerful Rhône wine with warm Mediterranean notes and elegant structure

Maison Lavau Rasteau 2021 is a full-bodied and characterful red wine from the Southern Rhône Valley, where intense fruit, spicy notes and ripe tannins merge into a harmonious and impressive wine experience. This is a classic Rasteau with plenty of southern French charm and great gastronomic versatility.

The grapes come from east-facing, rocky slopes close to the village of Rasteau. The dry and stony terroir produces low yields and late ripening grapes with great concentration and great aromatic depth. The combination of warm days and cool nights creates wines with both power and elegance.

The wine is made from equal parts Grenache and Syrah, which together provide a perfect balance of ripe fruit, structure and spicy character. After full destemming, the grapes macerate in temperature-controlled tanks for around 25 days. During fermentation, rack-and-return and daily pump-overs are used to extract maximum intensity, color and complexity.

After fermentation, half of the wine is aged in large 450 liter barrels previously used for one or two vintages, while the rest remains in tank. This aging adds extra finesse and softness without overpowering the wine’s fresh and ripe fruit profile.

Maison Lavau Rasteau 2021 is made for hearty dishes and Mediterranean-inspired cooking. It pairs perfectly with lamb with herbes de Provence, stews, grilled meats and dishes with southern French herbs.

Flavor notes

The aroma is characterized by classic Mediterranean aromas with notes of garrigue, warm spices and ripe dark fruits. The taste is full-bodied and intense with great structure, soft tannins and a persistent aftertaste where spices and ripe fruit linger long in the mouth.

The history of the house

The Lavau family’s passion for wine began in Saint-Émilion in the 19th century and later continued in Tunisia, where René Lavau and his son built the country’s largest wine production from a small estate with vineyards and orange trees.

In the 1960s, Jean-Guy Lavau and Anne-Marie Lavau returned to France and founded Maison Lavau in Sablet in the heart of the Rhône Valley. From here, the family house developed into a recognized name among Rhône producers with a focus on terroir, quality and classic craftsmanship.

Today, Frédéric and Benoît Lavau represent the next generation and have expanded the family’s activities with their own vineyards in Rasteau, Valréas and Côtes du Rhône, among others. The collaboration with Château Maucoil in Châteauneuf-du-Pape has further strengthened the house’s position as a serious Rhône producer.

Product information

• Product: Maison Lavau Rasteau 2021
• Region: Rasteau, Rhône, France
• Grape varieties: 50% Grenache, 50% Syrah
• Soil: Stony and dry soil with pebbles
• Winemaking: Long maceration in temperature-controlled tanks with rack-and-return and daily pump-overs
• Aging: Partially aged in 450 liter barrels for 12 months
• Serving: Lamb with herbes de Provence, stews and Mediterranean dishes
• Serving temperature: 16-17°C
• Quantity: 75 cl
• Contains: Sulfites
• Alcohol content: 15%