Winemaker Notes
It is a gastronomic Rosé that pairs with every part of the meal from aperitif through dessert.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Tavel is the world's only appellation solely devoted to rosé, and Château d'Aqueira is a specialist of a very high order. This wine's beautiful ruby color displays an unwillingness to tilt toward the wildly popular style of Provence, and it is followed up by wonderfully deep flavors of pomegranate and ripe red cherry that remain fresh thanks to a streak of acidity that continues through the finish. Please, let this wine never change.
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James Suckling
Dense, fruit-driven and caressing, showing watermelons, crushed berries and mild spices on the nose. Medium-bodied with a delicious, well-rounded and supple development on the palate.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Notes of raspberries, wild strawberries, pomegranate and grapefruit preface the 2024 Tavel from Château d'Aquéria, a medium- to full-bodied, round and enveloping wine with a structured mid-palate and a long, spicy and generous finish. This blend of 50% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah, 10% Clairette, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault and the rest Bourboulenc is a classic.
Whether it’s playful and fun or savory and serious, most rosé today is not your grandmother’s White Zinfandel, though that category remains strong. Pink wine has recently become quite trendy, and this time around it’s commonly quite dry. Since the pigment in red wines comes from keeping fermenting juice in contact with the grape skins for an extended period, it follows that a pink wine can be made using just a brief period of skin contact—usually just a couple of days. The resulting color depends on grape variety and winemaking style, ranging from pale salmon to deep magenta.
The only all-rosé appellation in the Rhone, a Tavel comes in many hues from light salmon to bright pink and is said to be the only rosé that can actually age—and improve. The rosé wines of Tavel have a great historic reputation, having been favored by King Louis XIV in the 18th century, as well as famous authors, Balzac and Mistral.
Tavel are always dry but the high percentage of the fruity Grenache (30-60% of the blend by law) and even Cinsault, give charming aromas and flavors that make them feel "almost sweet." A great Tavel rosé will have a bouquet suggestive of rose petals, apricot, strawberry and red currant. The palate may be fleshy, round and layered but is always fresh and balanced.