Tavel French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Tavel is France's most famous rosé-only appellation, producing deeply colored, full-bodied, gastronomic rosés that can age, unlike most pale, light rosés.
More info about Tavel
Geographic position
Southern France, in the Gard department on the right bank of the Rhône, about 15 km northwest of Avignon, next to Lirac and facing Châteauneuf-du-Pape across the river.
Origin & history
Tavel's rosé was served at the papal court of Avignon in the 14th century and later praised by King Philippe le Bel and by writers such as Balzac and Hemingway. In 1936 it became one of France's very first AOCs, and the first devoted to rosé.
Wines & grape varieties
Rosé only, made by short maceration and saignée from Grenache (the main grape), Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Clairette, Picpoul, Bourboulenc and Carignan. Expect strawberry, cherry, pomegranate, spice and a firm, vinous structure.
Climate & soil
Hot Mediterranean climate dried by the Mistral. Three terroirs: rounded river pebbles (galets roulés), sand, and limestone slabs called lauzes.
Wine region: Rhône
Grape varieties: Bourboulenc, Carignan, Cinsault, Clairette, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah