Rasteau Domaine la Soumade

Wine critic Robert Parker says, “The superstar of Rasteau is André Roméro who produces drop-dead delicious red wine.”

Our suppliers and friends Thorman Hunt & Co. were kind enough to take David to visit André in the Rhone, and David certainly agrees with their assessment of him as “one of our most characterful and talented growers and a favourite.”

Domaine la Soumade practices agriculture “raisonée” in all of the vineyards (they have 35 hectares in Rasteau and a tiny parcel of Gigondas), only treating the vines where absolutely necessary, in order to maximize their terroir (clay-limestone) characteristics.

They use organic compost which is only applied when soil deficiencies are revealed, following analysis of the soil and vine vegetation. When climatic conditions dictate they use organically permitted treatments (sulphur and copper) to protect the vines from mildew and oidium.

The grapes are harvested by hand and the best grapes selected on a sorting table in the vineyard.

The result is a silky smooth, wonderfully flavourful wine with hints of spice and vanilla. The phenomenal care with which it is made really shines through.