Rasteau 2022 Pique Basse | Rhône

Domaine Pique-Basse 's Rasteau is one of the wine estate's flagship cuvées, a blend of tradition and ambition. Grown in Roaix, on the terroirs of the southern Rhône Valley, this wine draws its strength from the clay-limestone slopes of the Ventabren massif, facing south-east and exposed to the Mistral wind. The grape varieties are mainly Grenache (80%) and Mourvèdre (20%), two emblematic grape varieties of the Rasteau appellation, grown on old vines deeply rooted in this living soil. This historic parcel was handed down to Olivier Tropet by his grandfather, and marks the starting point of Domaine Pique-Basse, which he took over in 1998 with the determination to make wines of place. Today, the wine estate is farmed organically and biodynamically, with hand harvesting and scrupulous respect for the natural rhythm of the vines. The winemaking process is unpretentious: indigenous yeasts, separate vatting of each grape variety to respect its identity, blending and discreet ageing in concrete vats - everything is designed to let the wine tell the story of its terroir.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: Domaine Pique-Basse 's Rasteau offers admirable balance, both powerful and fresh. Deeply rooted in its time, it plays the finesse card where others rely on brute force. The blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre produces a wine where power rhymes with finesse. This vintage has an ageing potential of almost ten years, which suggests that it will evolve well in bottle.

The nose opens with a rich, gourmet palette. Notes of black fruit mingle with accents of licorice and a hint of pepper, typical of Mourvèdre. A hint of leather and cocoa add intensity and elegance, promising continuity on the palate.

On the palate, the wine's dense texture is enhanced by silky tannins and well-balanced acidity. The velvety texture structures a generous palate, marked by black fruits and spices, while retaining a freshness that prolongs tasting. The finish is long and persistent, with notes of leather and blond tobacco echoing the nose, and testifying to a fine maturity.