Domaine Chantepierre Tavel Rosé 2023

Winery Overview
The Cave des Vignerons de Tavel, established in 1937, is located in the Rhône Valley near Avignon and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is the only winery to be opened by a President of the Republic – Albert Lebrun in 1938. The cooperative produces half of the Tavel AOC wines, as well as Lirac, Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, and Côtes-du-Rhône. It encompasses 680 hectares and involves 140 producers who participate in the winery's day-to-day operations and investment decisions.

Winemaking Philosophy
The Cave des Vignerons de Tavel is committed to producing high-quality wines that consistently win medals and are regularly mentioned in wine guides. Their Tavel rosé is crafted to be complex yet approachable, with more body and intensity than typical rosés, making it suitable for year-round consumption.

Wine Profile
- Appellation: Tavel AOC
- Blend: 60% Grenache noir, 20% Cinsault, 10% Grenache blanc, 5% Syrah, 5% Clairette
- Alcohol: 14%
- Vineyard: 20-year-old vines, 49 Acres

Tasting Notes
This Tavel rosé presents a bright, deep pink color with topaz tints, described as "partridge-eye pink". The nose is intense with aromas of melon, peach, cherry, and hints of caramelized sugar and rose petal. On the palate, it is full-bodied, dry, and quite spicy with good persistence. Flavors include cherry sorbet, fresh strawberries, and red currant. The wine is fringed by delicate tea tannins, offering a refreshing yet solidly built dry profile.

Winemaking Process
Tavel rosé follows a unique vinification process more akin to red wine production:
- Long maceration periods of 48 to 72 hours
- After pressing, fermentation lasts 10 to 15 days at low temperatures (55°-57°F)
- Aging in stainless steel vats
- The final wine is a blend of free-run juice (providing aromas, fruits, freshness, and acidity) and first-press juice (contributing structure, richness, and spices)

Terroir
The vineyards of Tavel are situated in the southern Rhône Valley, known for producing the only AOC dedicated exclusively to rosé wines.

Food Pairing Suggestions
This versatile rosé pairs well with:
- Nourishing aperitifs
- Spicy Asian food
- Tajines and paellas
- Provençal dishes
- White meat
- Dry goat's cheese
- Seafood such as salmon or swordfish
- Pasta dishes
- Gamier or other meat dishes

Ratings
- 2020 Vintage: 91 points from Wine Enthusiast, 90 points from Wine Spectator
- 2019 Vintage: 91 points from Wine Enthusiast
- 2018 Vintage: 91 points from Wine Enthusiast