History of the Tavel appellation
Vine cultivation in the region dates back to the 5th century BC. Established by the Greeks, the vineyard developed with the Romans. Located on an important communication axis between the oppidum of Roquemaure and Nîmes, Tavel was in an ideal position to develop.
Since the 12th century, rosé wine from Tavel is drunk in France. Famous names like Honoré de Balzac, Philippe le Bel, François 1er, Ronsard were used to drink this wine and contributed to its renown. Tavel’s nickname is ” the first Rosé of France “.
The Controlled Appellation
The rosé wine from Tavel is produced on a vineyard composed of less than 1000 hectares, the yields do not exceed 42 hectoliters per hectare. The contact between red skin and white flesh (Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvèdre) gives outstanding results. Only rosés are labelled Controlled Appellation Tavel, the red are produced under the Appellation Côtes du Rhône Village.
Predominant aromas of Tavel are complex, red and white fruits with flowery notes. As it gets older, these fruity aromas becomes well-rounded, with spicy fragrances and the colour becomes amber. Rosé from Tavel are the perfect companions for spicy entrées and for poultry, white meat with creamy sauce.
Terroir
The Tavel vineyard is located in the southern Côtes du Rhône, on the right bank of the river, in the Gard department. Made up of a happy mixture of hillsides and old alluvial terraces of the Rhône, it is always well sunny. The vineyard is located on three types of calcareous geological formations, light and filtering: fluvial sands and rolled pebbles; calcareous stones and red clay; red clay and quartz pebbles.
The dominant aromas of Tavel are complex: red and white fruit notes are combined with floral notes. Over time, these fruity aromas evolve towards softer notes, with hints of spices and stone fruits, while the colour becomes iridescent with amber reflections. The rosé Tavel is a cru in every sense of the word and has its place on the menu, with sought-after dishes. It is perfect with spicy starters and creamy sauces with shellfish, poultry and white meats.
