2023 Château La Genestière Tavel Rosé , Rhone Valley, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

The production of Tavel rosé is made using the traditional method in which the grapes are partially pressed and the juice is allowed to soak on the skins for 24 to 48 hours under cool temperature. After the pressing is completed, the juice is allowed to settle and then undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation. The young wine is aged for 4 to 6 months in stainless steel tanks to maximize freshness and vivacity, then bottled. A blend of Grenache and Syrah for the 2023 vintage. 

Just south of Lirac, the Tavel is exclusively dedicated to the production of rosé wine. In 1936, it became the first French appellation for rosé wine. Tavel, now joined by Bandol, has long been regarded as the premier rosé appellation in France. The wines are based on Grenache and generally blended with Syrah, Mourvedre and/or Cinsault, and finished in a dry, full bodied style. Tavel is one of the few rosé wines that can improve with bottle age.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Originally established in 1930, the 40-hectare estate of Château la Genestière was acquired by Jean-Claude Garcin in 1944 and worked lovingly by father and son for many years. Jean-Claude painstakingly worked to improve the property and increased its reputation in the region. The centerpiece of the domaine’s production became the Tavel Rosé, formerly known as “Cuvée Raphael” after Jean-Claude’s son. The property was purchased in 2015 by Christian Latouche, owner of two domaines in Les Baux-de-Provence. With his great understanding of rosé wines and respect for the Château la Genestière and the Tavel appellation, M. Latouche continues working in the great Tavel tradition carried on by M. Garcin.