Oct 26, 2021
Welcome to Winephabet Street Season 2 Episode 20- T is for Tavel
Winephabet Street is a monthly series where Lori Budd of Draceana Wines and I work our way through the alphabet exploring wine and wine regions one letter at a time. The show is live on the third Monday at 8pm and is free, but you must register to attend. Put it on your calendar, pour yourself a glass of wine and hang out with us.
In this episode, we are joined by Val Caruso, DWS, CWE FWS and are drinking Chateau D’Aqueria Tavel.
Tavel is located in the Rhone region of France, just across the river from Chateauneuf-du-Pape. It was awarded AOC status in 1936 and produces France’s leading Rose wine. It’s a Southern Rhone Cru and the only thing made in this AOC is Rose wine.
The appellation has 960 hectares that are comprised of 3 terroirs. Terroirs with flat white stones called Les Vestides, sand and stones called Olivet and pebbles called Vallongue. There are nine grape varieties that grow in Tavel that you will find in the bottle. They are Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Clairette, Grenache, Bourboulenc, Carignan, Picpoul and Calitor.
Tavel is pretty easy to find in the liquor store. Grab a bottle and watch or listen to the webinar and see why Tavel differs from all other Rose wines and what makes it special.
Special thanks to Chateau D’Aqueria for providing us with the wonderful 2018 Rose wine. This Tavel Rose is 45% Grenache, 20% Clairette, 15% Cinsault 8% Mourvedre, 6% Syrah, 4% Bourboulenc and 2% Picpoul. Aromas of orange blossom, with a hint of almond lead to a palate bursting with red. I did get to share the bottle with my daughter after the show.