Rasteau Wine
Lying just off the D7 outside Gigondas, the Meffre family's Domaine Saint-Gayan has been an enclave of viticulture and wine production for over 5 centuries. The current patron Jean-Pierre Meffre - ably assisted by his son-in-law Christian-Yves Carré de Lusançay - produces characterful, predominantly red, wines from traditional Southern Rhône grape varieties that are well-suited to a sunny Mediterranean climate. Their robust Rasteau 'Ilex' is usually made from a blend of 65% Grenache Noir, 25% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah that is hand-harvested prior to vinification in concrete vats, blending and bottling. The finished wine is steeped in briary, garrigue berry fruit with peppery undertones and tannins that will readily support 3 to 5 years bottle age. It pairs well with game and slow-cooked daubes that have been enriched with it.
