Tavel AOC (Appellation d'origine contrôlée) is a small region located in the southern part of the Rhone Valley, France, dedicated exclusively to producing rosé wines. Legend has it that during the Middle Ages, the area was a popular vacation destination for Popes and royalty, who enjoyed the refreshing rosés from the region and requested that nothing else be made. In 1936, Tavel was awarded AOC designation, becoming the first to be dedicated to rosé. Nine grapes are authorized to be used for the blend, with Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvèdre being the most popular, while none of them can make up more than 60% of the blend. Tavel rosé has a deep pink color with ripe aromas of berries, stone fruits, and flowers. The region’s warm climate allows the grapes to ripen fully, creating more alcohol in the wine. This is one of the reasons Tavel Rosé can age longer than most rosés, developing nutty and spicy flavors.
Author: Maytte Rivera
