Tavel
Produced in Tavel and Roquemaure in the Gard, the Tavel AOC is the only one in the Southern Rhône to produce rosé wine exclusively. It covers 900 hectares on the left bank of the Rhône, bordering the Lirac appellation. The vineyards here have historically been planted with several grape varieties, including Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Grenache Blanc. Several soil types can be found, consisting of river-rolled pebbles, red clay and sand.
Tavel rosé wines have a more intense colour than those of Provence, showing hints of ruby on the rim. In fact, they are made using the saignée method, where the must is fermented after several hours’ maceration, in the same way as a red wine. The resulting wines boast aromas of strawberries and spices, with a structured palate that means they can be kept for a long time. Among Tavel’s most famous estates are L’Anglore and Romain Le Bars.
