Domaine des Escaravailles – Heritage 2007

This wine arrived recently into my cellar from a merchant from abroad. The Domains des Escaravailles in Rasteau (Cotes du Rhones Villages Appellation) is making some incredible high quality wines and their prices are not exceeding the 35-40 EUR range. This is a very serious producer that is worth seeking out.In Provencal, Escaravaille means beetle and the name of this domaine comes from the nickname given by the people from Rasteau in the 17^th century to the monastic order called the “Black Penitents of Avignon.” This order worked the vineyards wearing long black cloaks and when seen from the village below, the monks looked like beetles scurrying among the vines.

The wine has a red garnet color with a thick, oily appearance and plenty of legs left on the glass. The nose is complex, fresh with plenty of spicy herbs: thyme, sage, mint, pure strawberry aromas, kirsch and raspberries mixed with sweet spice. In the mouth this full body wine has a lifting acidity that creates tremendous balance, there is some heat but nothing disturbing even if the wine has 15% alcohol. A very silky mouth feel with very pure aromas of fresh red fruits, red cherry, strawberry, white pepper, chocolate and black olives. The finish is long with firm tannins hinting the great potential this wine has, with black olives, candied cherry and chocolate in the aftertaste. Excellent ripe and elegant wine. Beware that 15% alcohol even if this cannot be felt in the mouth. Your sobriety might be in danger. Pairing with food is mandatory and make sure to drink the wine at a lower(perhaps 14-15 Celsius degrees) temperature for a better appreciation.

Thanks for reading!