Tavel

Tavel is a dry, full-flavoured rosé from the Southern Rhône Valley in France, usually made from Grenache alongside grapes such as Cinsault and Syrah. Expect strawberry, raspberry and red cherry with herbs and gentle spice. Richer than most rosés, it’s brilliant with grilled chicken, salmon, BBQ food, pizza, charcuterie and Mediterranean dishes.

Taste:

Rosé with the volume turned up.

Tavel is typically dry and medium to full-bodied for a rosé, with fresh acidity and plenty of red-fruit flavour. Expect strawberry, raspberry, red cherry and sometimes watermelon, often joined by herbs, flowers and peppery spice.

Its deeper colour comes with more flavour and structure than you'll find in many ultra-pale rosés, making Tavel feel much closer to a light red in terms of what it can handle at the dinner table.

It's fruity, savoury and refreshing, but delicate isn't really the brief.

Proof, once again, that rosé doesn't need to be practically transparent to be good.

Food Pairings:

Tavel's extra body makes it one of the most food-friendly styles of rosé.

For meat, try grilled chicken, roast chicken, chicken kebabs, pork, sausages or charcuterie.

It's also brilliant with BBQ chicken, grilled sausages and lamb kebabs.

Salmon is a particularly good match, whether grilled, roasted or served as salmon skewers. Prawns, tuna, crab and grilled fish work beautifully too.

Pizza is another easy win. Try Margherita, prosciutto, spicy salami, sausage, chicken or roasted vegetable pizza.

Mediterranean dishes are right at home here, including moussaka, grilled aubergine, roasted peppers, couscous, hummus, falafel and tomato-based dishes with herbs.

For cheese, try goat's cheese, feta, Brie or Comté.

Similar Wines:

If you enjoy Tavel, Grenache Rosé is a natural next move, as Grenache plays a major role in most Tavel blends.

Côtes de Provence takes southern French rosé in a paler, lighter and more delicate direction, while Garnacha Rosado offers a fresh Spanish take on the same grape.

Cinsault Rosé is also worth exploring if juicy berries, herbs and Mediterranean freshness are what you love most.

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More About Tavel:

Tavel is an appellation in the Southern Rhône Valley of France, just across the Rhône River from Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

And Tavel is all-in on pink: the appellation produces rosé wine only.

Grenache is one of the key grapes, typically joined by varieties including Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Longer contact between the juice and grape skins helps create Tavel's famously deeper colour and fuller flavour.

The style has a long history and built its reputation as a serious food wine well before the current obsession with ultra-pale rosé.

An entire appellation dedicated to rosé and absolutely no interest in making it subtle.

Respect.