The Secrets of Age-Worthy Tavel Rosés
Nestled in the Rhône Valley lies a truly unique appellation. To discover it, one must take the time to explore the Provençal Gard, on the right bank of the Rhône, not far from Avignon or Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Here, the small village of Tavel reveals itself, where the wines are written in a single color. At first glance, the cherry hue of these Tavel rosés captures attention, an enchanting prelude to many other unique secrets. Join us as we explore the long history, terroir, and craftsmanship of these bottles that, like those from the Prieuré de Montézargues, have made exception their own rule.
The Wines of Tavel: A History Entwined with Kings and Popes
Between the Pont du Gard and the Pont d’Avignon, in the south of France, Tavel stands out for its rich history. The village of Gard is often considered the birthplace of the “first rosé of France.” It all began with Roman influence: this ancient people quickly chose to plant vines on these lands in the Rhône Valley. But it was in the Middle Ages that the undeniable qualities of this vineyard were truly recognized. In the early 14th century, Tavel wine became the favorite nectar of Philip the Fair, to the point where the Capetian king called it the “king of rosés.” Even the popes delighted in inviting this “rosé of kings” to their tables, reputed to be one of the best rosé wines in France.
During this time, the Prieuré de Montézargues was already thriving: the wines from our Tavel estate were the only ones officially served to the Avignon papacy, alongside the Burgundian bottles from Clos de Vougeot. A few centuries later, in 1936, the Tavel AOC was recognized by the state thanks to the unwavering commitment of its winemakers. Once again, our appellation stands out: it is the very first Rosé AOC in France…
A Great Terroir for Tavel Rosés of Remarkable Complexity
The Tavel wines have long been cited among the world’s best rosés, thanks primarily to the incredible quality of their Rhône terroir.
This terroir is built upon the alliance of three main soil types. The first, rolled pebbles, play a precious role in aiding the ripening of the grapes: from springtime, they absorb heat and release it back into the soil, while protecting the vines from moisture and disease. Limestone, on the other hand, shields the vineyard from temperature fluctuations and efficiently drains the soil. Lastly, Tavel features a particularly unique sandy soil, deposited in ancient times by the Mediterranean. Its loose structure facilitates deep vine rooting, where minerals and water await.
At Prieuré de Montézargues, our Tavel rosés benefit from these wonderful sandy soils, overseen by a thick layer of rolled pebbles. For an average of forty years, a lovely palette of grape varieties has flourished in this distinct terroir. Among the reds, you’ll find bold Syrahs, structured Mourvèdres, delightful Cinsaults, ample Grenache Noirs, and vigorous Carignans. Among the whites, there are round Clairettes, delicate Grenache Blancs, and lively Bourboulencs…
From this perfect variety of personalities emerges the unmatched imprint of our Tavel rosés: delicacy and elegance, carried by the subtle tannic nuances of our terroir. To reveal each facet as finely as possible, we cultivate our 34 hectares of vines with the utmost respect: since the 2013 vintage, our bottles have been certified organic.
Our Tavel Rosés and Their Craftsmanship Ready to Defy Time…
Hidden at the heart of the Tavel appellation, surrounded by Mediterranean forest and scrubland, Prieuré de Montézargues takes care of every detail to enhance the treasures nature offers us.
In this Provençal Eden, facing Mont Ventoux, we hand-harvest our grapes before meticulously sorting, destemming, macerating, and pressing them. Plot by plot, we favor custom vinification of our different grape varieties. The freshness, acidity, and finesse of our rosé wine depend on this.
The precision and patience of our craftsmanship are indeed rewarded by the magnificent expression of our cuvées, which gracefully embrace time. Even after 10 or 15 years, these true age-worthy wines display their full potential: brilliant color, elegant and complex nose, infinitely aromatic palate. More than just a tasting, the glass offers a unique gastronomic emotion, ideal for refined Provençal summer cuisine…
After diving into the secrets of Tavel rosés, why not set your sights on another color, this time on the left bank of the Rhône? This article invites you to discover the superb 2023 white wines of Château La Nerthe, in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.