Domaine des Escaravailles Rasteau “La Boutine Cairanne”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- This wine is from Domaine des Escaravailles oldest Grenache.
- It is grown on sandy and marly soils in a vineyard called “La Baye Haut,” in the appellation of Cairanne, which is located at an altitude of 240m.
- Drink now or cellar age for 3 years.
Varietal Composition: 100% Old Grenache Noir
Elaboration: The grapes are hand-picked and sorted at the vineyard. They are fully destemmed then fermented in concrete tanks. Vatting time is between 25 and 28 days with gentle extraction. Ageing is then in concrete tanks for nine months to keep the purity of our old Grenache.
Tasting Notes: Red and dark purple wine color with bright reflections. Pleasant nose, with orange peel and rosemary aromas. The palate is elegant, smooth and well structured, with blueberry paired with soft spices, cloves and Timut pepper.
PRESS
2020 – 90 Jeb Dunnuck
2021 – 92 James Suckling
2022 – 90 Jeb Dunnuck
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Domaine del Escaravailles derives its name from Escaravay, the Occitan language word for beetle. It was a nickname for the Black Penitents – the monks of Avignon who owned the farm in the 17th Century.
In 1953, Jean-Louis Ferran, a wine broker, sold his old car to help purchase the estate, which is located in the Appellation Rasteau in the southern Rhône wine region of France. It looks across the valley to Mont Ventoux of Tour de France fame.
Jean-Louis and his two sons planted vines and, in 1964, released bottles of Vin Doux Naturel Rasteau, a signature wine of the AOC. In 1988, Gilles Ferran became the winemaker while he and his wife raised their daughter, Madeline. Madeline Ferran watched and learned, growing to become the estate’s winemaker. Now, Madeline is becoming well-known for her increasingly sought-after wines.