Château de Trinquevedel Tavel rosé: best price for this delicious gastronomic wine from the Southern Rhône: named ‘Rosé of the Kings, King of the Rosés’: case of 12 bottles delivered

93/100 – Wine Enthusiast
1 Star – Guide Hachette

For a full-bodied, structured, complex rosé, here is a seriously good Tavel from the 18th century Château de Trinquevedel, which the critics rate highly. Characteristically dark pink, it is age-worthy, and what the winemakers call ‘rosé d’assiette’ or ‘gastronomic wine’, being extremely food-friendly. The darker colour indicates depth, not sweetness; Tavel is some of the drier, more tannic rosés. Beloved by King Louis XIV, it was named ‘Rosé of the Kings, King of the Rosés’. Not only kings, but writers: Ernest Hemingway famously insisted he could not start lunch (beginning with oysters) without a glass of Tavel and a pen.

Tavel, France’s original great rosé-producing appellation, lies in the Southern Rhône Valley, centred in the sleepy village of Tavel, 10 miles northwest of Avignon. This 2021 vintage is from Tavel’s famous Château de Trinquevedel a fourth-generation estate rated in Guide Hachette and run by Guillaume Demoulin, whose great-grandfather bought the 13th century estate in order to restore its high-class wine-making reputations. Now certified organic, the 32 hectares of vineyards grow on fertile soil of sand, pebbles and galets roules, the smooth round rocks also found in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the wine is meticulously made.

Awarding 93/100, the Wine Enthusiast critic notes of this 2021 Tavel, ‘Pale garnet in colour, gorgeously perfumed with blossoms and watermelon, this crisp, blackberry-flavoured rosé juxtaposes zesty black fruit flavours against a deep, penetrating undertone of crushed stone and spice. A stately expression of Tavel that’s likely to drink beautifully year-round and for at least another vintage or two to come.’

The wine will age and become even more charming over time, with extra savoury and nutty flavours. Try pairing with salmon and gravadlax, osso-bucco, veal with olives, white meat and grilled fish, and with spicy or sweet and sour dishes—not only in summer, this is a rose to be drunk year-round.

Grenache 60%, Cinsault 18%, Clairette 12%, Syrah 5%, Mourvèdre 5%.

Case of 12 bottles delivered. Code TR21RW04. RRP £240. CCUK £169 including UK mainland delivery.