Rhône

Appellation classified as a Cru site, located in the southern section of the Rhône wine-growing region in France. This is the only appellation in the Rhône valley to produce only rosé wines. The French king Philipp the handsome (1268-1314), the popes of Avignon and writer Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) were all fans of this „king of rosé wines�. The co-operative winery promotes the wine as being the „1. rosé de France�. The vineyard area totals around 1.000 hectares, located on the right bank of the Rhône, in the commune of Tavel, as well as in some parcels of the commune of Roquemaure in the département Gard. The rosé is a blend made from Grenache Noir (maximum of 60%), Cinsaut (maximum of 15%), Bourboulenc, Calitor, Clairette Blanche, Clairette Rosé, Mourvèdre, Picpoul and Syrah, as well as from Carignan (maximum of 15%). There are two different methods of production. With the qualitatively better saignée method, the grapes are allowed to lie in the must for several hours, and give the wine its colour. With the second method, the mash is given a hard pressing. The wine is full-bodied, and has an almost oily taste, with a peppery, spicy note. The alcohol level varies from a minimum of 11% to a maximum of 13% by volume. The wines have been bottled in tall, flute-shaped designer bottles of white glass since 1987, showing off the colour of the wine. Well-known producers include Château d´Aquéria, Domaine Corne-Loup, Domaine la Forcadière, Guigal, Domaine Lafond, Domaine Maby, Domaine de la Mordorée, Prieure de Montézargues, Château de Trinquevedel and Le Vieux Moulin de Tavel.