Day 4 | Tavel AOC
The Rhône’s Deep‑Pink Benchmark
Tavel sits on the west bank of the southern Rhône, opposite Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape. Its stony, sun‑baked terraces are devoted almost entirely to rosé. However, Tavel is deeper in color and structure than most Provençal pinks. Vines endure fierce mistral winds and summer heat that often tops 35 °C; the grapes respond with thick skins and vivid pigment. Local growers embrace that color, allowing overnight macerations that would panic a Provençal vigneron, then fermenting the wine bone‑dry.
What You’ll Taste
Primary Notes – Strawberry, red currant, watermelon rind, and dried garrigue.
Acidity – Medium‑plus acidity and a faint mineral salt.
Texture – Noticeable phenolic grip giving a gentle, food‑friendly chew.
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Terroir & Winemaking Deep Dive
Three soil bands define Tavel. On the plateau, galets roulés (rounded quartzite stones like those in Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape) radiate heat, driving ripeness and red fruit depth. Mid‑slope sandy marl brings aromatic lift, while the lower sandy‑limestone terraces near the Rhône supply freshness and mineral snap. Producers bleed off (saignée) a portion of juice, then macerate skins for 12–48 hours, long for rosé, to draw color and fine tannin. Fermentation is cool in stainless steel. some estates age the wine briefly for a few months on lees to broaden the mid‑palate without muting brightness. The result is a dry rosé that stands up to grilled lamb as comfortably as to salade niçoise, and which can improve for three to five years in bottle.
Typical Grapes in a Tavel Rosé
Grenache Noir (often 40 % or more)
Cinsault
Syrah
Mourvèdre
Clairette
Bourboulenc
Carignan
Producers to Visit
Domaine de la Mordorée – “La Reine des Bois” marries dark berry depth with lavender spice.
Château d’Aquéria – Classic style: bright red fruit, herb edge, lingering mineral finish.
Domaine Lafond Roc‑Épine – Lifted raspberry and peach with a fine, savory grip.
Travel Spotlight – Exploring Tavel & Avignon
Stay – Hôtel de l’Horloge, Avignon Historic city‑center base a short drive from the vineyards.
Dine – L’Auberge de Tavel Provençal staples (herb‑roasted lamb, olive oil confit vegetables) served up right next to the vines.
Stroll – Bring your bottle, walk onto the Pont d’Avignon, and taste during golden hour
Quiz
Tavel rosé shows more color and tannin than most Provençal pinks - how do extended skin contact and galet roulés soils work together to create that extra depth?