Why it matters
The producer
Wine cultivation at Domaine Rabiega dates to the 16th century, while the modern winery began under Christiane Rabiega in the 1960s. Lars Torstenson became winemaker in 1988, linking the estate's modern period to the Clos Dière wines.
Vin & Sprit divested the estate in 2005. Gastrodev acquired it in 2020. The domaine now produces Provence wines from red grapes including Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, alongside rosé.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Domaine Rabiega is in Draguignan, in Provence. Its vineyards are planted in clay limestone soils. Clay holds water for the vine, while limestone allows excess moisture to drain, giving the roots two different physical conditions in the same ground.
The location places the domaine within a Provençal wine setting where red wines and rosé share the range. Clos Dière L'œuf carries the Côtes de Provence appellation.
Wines to know
The range in view
The range is organized around rosé and two different red wine approaches. Domaine Rabiega R Rosé 2022 is the rosé wine. Clos Dière L'œuf 2020 combines Syrah, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon, with an intense, perfumed nose of raisined grapes, prunes, fresh blackberries, blueberries, violets, iris and hibiscus.
Revolution Rouge 2021 is 100% Merlot made through traditional vinification. Clos Dière 2011 shows the oak raised side of the range, with fourteen months in barrel, ripe fruit, spices, violet and garrigue, followed by a full, silky palate supported by youthful tannins.