At a glance

Producer

Domaine des Escaravailles

Region

Rasteau, Southern Rhône, France

Grape variety

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre (typical Rasteau blend)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$25-$40

Tasting profile

Red and black fruit aromas (black cherry, blackberry), earth, spice, and licorice; medium to full body with balanced tannins

Evolution: Fruit will integrate further with notes of leather, cured meat, and forest floor developing

At peak: Complex nose with tertiary aromas, silky tannins, and persistent finish

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-high, providing good lift and balance

Tannins

Firm and chewy at release, mellowing with age

Alcohol

14.5% ABV

Aging potential

8-15 years with proper storage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2039

Optimal window

2024 to 2042

Current status

Approaching early maturity, ideal for short-term cellaring

Current condition

Youthful tannins with developing complexity, moderate freshness

The vintage 2020 in Rhône was strong, yielding ripe fruit with good acidity and structure supporting medium- to long-term aging. Rasteau blends from Domaine des Escaravailles typically benefit from 5-10 years bottle age, allowing tannins to soften and aromas to deepen.

Food pairing

Pairs well with grilled lamb, beef stew, game meats, hearty ratatouille, and aged cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (45-60 minutes) — To soften tannins and allow aromatic expression

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Traditional vineyard management with attention to soil health, moderate chemical use, limited irrigation consistent with Southern Rhône norms; some use of natural yeast fermentations

Domaine des Escaravailles, like many traditional Southern Rhône producers, employs careful practices aimed at conservation of local biodiversity and soil, with limited irrigation and organic matter recycling. Although no formal certification is recorded, their viticulture favors sustainability. Packaging is standard glass bottles with cork closures representing typical carbon emission ranges.