We’re sticking with the “vacationing in the south of France” theme this month, as I’ve discovered two more exquisite French rosés. These, however, aren’t from the traditional Provence region; they are from the Rhône region.
Tavel specifically refers to a small region in the southern portion of France’s Rhône region, an area perhaps better known for Châteauneuf-du-Pape. And like CdP, Tavel is a blend that is largely made up of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvedre, though 9 grapes in full are permitted. Warm climates in southern France make the grapes grown for Tavel huge and full of sugar, leading to darker, more alcoholic wines. Because of its booming alcohol (this one clocks in at 14.5%), this blend might be one of the only rosé wines out there well known for its ability to age, which gives it savory, nutty flavors over time. With its bolder, summer fruit flavors, Tavel is known for its ability to pair well with a wide variety of foods: meat and fish alike. Basically, anything that red wine can do, Tavel can largely keep up. Plus, Tavel is the only AOC that only makes one wine, and that wine is a rosé!
Vaucluse is an IGP title for red, white and rosé wines that are produced in the administrative department of the same name in southeastern France. The department lies in the heart of the southern Rhône Valley. One of France’s foremost wine regions, the Côtes du Rhône boasts diverse natural landscapes shaped by the mighty River Rhône, and a rich winemaking history dating back over 2,000 years. Vaucluse is the also home the Côtes du Rhône’s capital, Avignon, which is known for being the seat of the papacy during the schism, and seven successive popes found time alongside their religious duties to champion local wines.
Our Tavel wine comes from Domaine Maby, which is now located near Avignon and has been family owned and operated for over several generations. The family settled in Tavel in the early 19th century and produced wines for personal and local consumption. After the Second World War, Domaine Maby was officially launched by Armand Maby, who developed a modern, functional winery and acquired new plots of vines. In 1946, the first bottles bearing the “Domaine Maby” label were produced.
Our Vaucluse wine is from Domaine de l’Amauve, which is an eleven hectare family estate in the South of the Rhône Valley on the village of Seguret. M. Christian Voeux has a long and storied history in the southern Rhône valley with 24 years as the Maître de Chais (cellar master) at the renowned Château Mont-Redon in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In 2008 he left Mont-Redon to run Château la Nerthe, another well respected Châteauneuf-du-Pape property. When his parents retired in 2005, Christian decided to take over the family property in Séguret and began making the wines. The results have been stunning. Séguret is a village just a stones throw from Gigondas, sharing the same soils and terroir as this well-regarded appellation.
Think Pink!
Carrie Upson- General Manager
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2021 Maby Tavel Rosé |
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Region/Country of Origin: Tavel Rhone, France |
About the Vineyards: Maintaining healthy vines and high quality grapes is the key to producing great wine… and a veritable obsession at Domaine Maby. The work carried out on the vineyard throughout the year to ensure this essential, requiring skill and consistency. Engaged in sustainable winemaking, Domaine Maby favors natural vineyard maintenance techniques. Use of plant care products is limited to a minimum. Vineyard work is fully manual. About the Winemaking: AVERAGE AGE OF THE VINEYARD: 52 years YIELD: 45 hl / ha MATURING: Stainless steel vats BOTTLING: January 2022 (19, 000 bottles) SERVING TEMPERATURE: To drink between 10° and 12° AGING POTENTIAL: 10 years. Converting to organic farming as we speak. Grenache (50%) and Cinsault (50%) Tasting Notes: A bright raspberry pink color. Delightful ripe fruit aroma with strawberries, red fruit, citrus fruit and light spices. An aromatic opening with a frank, structured and deep palate which offers a wonderful background for a lengthy expression of its southern character. On the palate, concentration and silky structure make this a magnificent wine for gastronomy. A combination of Grenache and Cinsault grown only on pebble terroirs offers notable minerality as well. |
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Winemaker: Philippe Cambie
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Price per bottle / Price per case: $24/$259.20 |
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Suggested Food Pairing: Tapenade Ratatouille BBQ Chicken Salad Nicoise |
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2021 Domaine de L’Amauve Le Rosé de Yvonne |
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Region/Country of Origin: Vaucluse IGP, Rhone, France |
About the Winery: The village of Séguret is built into the side of a steep limestone cliff. The vineyards flow down the hillside to a gravely plateau. Farming at Domaine de l’Amauve is organic (certified with 2020 vintage). The terroir is a mix of disintegrated limestone with alluvial gravel, sand, & clay on a limestone bedrock. Green harvesting is employed to reduce yields and native grasses are encouraged to develop natural diversity in the vineyard. Harvesting is done by hand, over several passes, to select the best clusters at optimal ripeness. The Mediterranean climate ensures favorable conditions for quality grapes each year. About the Winemaking: The grapes are sent directly to the pneumatic press for a 1½ hour maceration soak before pressing. The juice is then sent to a tank and held at low temperatures for a 24 hour period to separate the lees. After a careful racking, the wine is fermented at low temperatures to enhance the fruity characteristics found naturally in the grapes. After fermentation, the wine is kept on the fine lees for a period of 6 months, very lightly sulfured, to retain the freshness and purity of aromas. 50% Grenache, 40% Caladoc, 10% Syrah. Only 168 cases were imported to the U.S. Tasting Notes: “le Rosé d’Yvonne” is a beautiful light king salmon color with bright watermelon, honeydew melon, and dried rose petal aromas and a hint of celery in the background. The palate is soft & round with flavors of strawberry, ripe melon, tangerine, & a panoply of spices including green peppers & anise. The finish is soft yet balanced, making this a very easy drinker. This is a versatile wine that shouldn’t be boxed in as a summertime sipper. It can be enjoyed all year round with good friends and lovers. La vie en Rosé! |
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Winemaker: Christian Voeux |
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Price per bottle / Price per case: $16 btl/$183.60 case |
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Suggested Food Pairing: Great as an aperitif grilled fish chicken in a tomato based sauce charcuterie platter |
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