“The wine of Tavel is the king of rosés and the king of the wines of the Rhône Valley.” – Victor Hugo, French writer.
Tavel is considered by many connoisseurs to be the finest rosé in the world. This grand cru is grown in the Rhône Valley, on the slopes lining the river’s right bank, between the Pont d’Avignon and the Pont du Gard. The Tavel area covers the communes of Tavel and Roquemaure, in the Gard.
Tavel owes its uniqueness to a winemaking process that sets it completely apart from all other rosés, and which resembles that of a red wine: long macerations of 48 to 72 hours. After pressing, fermentations of 10 to 15 days are carried out at low temperature (13-14°C). It comes from a blend of free-run juice, which brings the aromas, the fruit, the freshness and the necessary acidity, and press juice, which preserves its richness, its structure and its power.
I had the chance to taste the one produced by the winegrowers of Tavel & Lirac (thanks Hervé). Visually it’s brilliant, with a flamboyant red colour.
On the palate, the wine is ample and round. It expresses a lovely aromatic power with a finish on spice, staying soft without excessive acidity. Naturally its price will be a little higher than traditional rosés, but it can be kept and will be enjoyed at any time — even in winter.
Leave a Reply