Ep 467: The Greats -- Tavel of the Rhône Valley

Hailing from the southern Côtes du Rhône, Tavel is a 100% rosé AOC and is one of the only rosé only AOCs in France. It is the darkest rosé made and it is in a different class of wine, more similar to the clairets of old (light reds) than the rosés of the modern day. Photo: Chateau de Trinquevedel, Credit Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Importer   Located across the Rhône from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, just north of Avignon this small region makes what many writers have called a fourth type of still wine. These wines are dark in color, and bold in flavor with bright minerality, a touch of tannin, a round body, and intense fruit and herbal notes.  Using a blend of uniquely Rhône grapes, it relies not just on reds but on whites, which are co-fermented to generate complexity and maintain acidity. Unlike many rosés, these wines can age for years or decades and improve with time.   With multiple soil types, and a legacy that dates back to the Avignon Popes, this wine is no ordinary rosé. It deserves its place among the greatest wines in the world, and after you hear this (and taste the wine) you’ll be sure to agree! Photo: Vins-Rhone   Full show notes with producers and links are now exclusively available on Patreon! Become a member today!   Sources used: Rosés of Southern France by Elizabeth Gabay and Ben Bernheim Vins-Rhone Syndicat Viticole de l’Appellation Tavel Elizabeth Gabay MW on what makes Tavel rosé so different, The Buyer Wines of the Rhône by Matt Walls   _________________________________________________________ I could not be happier to announce my partnership with Wine Access, once again.  The best, wine the best selection – this is where people in the wine industry shop for wine! Go to www.wineaccess.com/normal to sign up for my wine club with WA or go to www.wineaccess.com/wfnp to see my latest favorite wines and get 10% your first order. Support Wine Access – their support allows you to keep listening to the show at no cost! Click here to sign up! If you think our podcast is worth the price of a bottle or two of wine a year, please become a member of Patreon... you'll get even more great content, live interactions and classes! www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople   To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth go to: www.winefornormalpeople.com/classes   Get the back catalog on Patreon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.