A classic expression of Tavel, France’s premier rosé appellation, from one of its historic estates. The 2022 Château d’Aqueria blends Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Picpoul, delivering both depth and freshness. Aromas of raspberry, strawberry, and pomegranate mingle with hints of spice and wet stone. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet lively, showing a fine balance between fruit richness and saline minerality, finishing long and elegant.

Wine Spectator | WS 93
Published: Jan 9, 2023

Enjoy a beautiful dance on the palate between summer fruits and savory flavors with this Tavel. Wild strawberries, fresh watermelon and freshly picked cherries beautifully intertwine with pink peppercorn, wild herbs and pulverized stone. Enjoy now with grilled vegetables or chicken kabobs. — Anna-Christina Cabrales

The Wine Advocate | RP 90
Published: May 18, 2023
Drink: 2023-2025

Almost half Grenache, with the rest mostly Cinsault, Clairette, Mourvèdre and Syrah, the 2022 Tavel even includes small proportions of Bourboulenc and Picpoul. If you can hold off opening a bottle until this summer, or even into the fall, that would be a good idea, or else decant in advance of serving. Right now, there's a touch of austerity to the wine, with scents of wet stone reducing the impact of red berries and citrus on the nose, and the full-bodied palate seems just a bit pinched and tight but with the potential to blossom in a few months.

James Suckling | JS 89
Published: Jun 9, 2023

Raspberries, cherries and cranberries dominate on the nose. Rather light with a delicate expression. Smooth and fruity with a fruit-driven finish. Drink now.

Jancis Robinson | JR 17
Published: Jun 19, 2024

So much spicier than the 2023. Nutmeg. But also full of fruit and life and body. Maraschino cherry, pomelo and raspberry syrup. Piercingly bright and brightly sweet, but the spine of the wine is saline and stony. Elegant.

Aqueria.com

Château d’Aqueria’s sandy soils are perfect for producing great rosés with exceptional balance between freshness and maturity. Its complexity comes from a blend of six varieties of red and white grapes. Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre give exceptional colour and tannic structure whilst Clairette, Bourboulenc and Cinsault complete the blend beautifully bringing a generous variety of aromas and a fresh finish.

Tasting notes
Eye: Intense ruby colour with shiny hints.
Nose: Complex and elegant with spicy, fruity notes (raspberries, strawberries, pomegranate).
Mouth: Elegant and firm structure with expressive fruit and spice. Long finish with remarkable freshness bringing a lovely balance to the wine.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 14.0%
Closure: Natural Cork
Harvest: 2022
Oak: None
Varietals: 50% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah, 10% Clairette, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Bourboulenc, 5% Cinsault
Soil: Light sandy and clay soils
Vinification: Grapes are destemmed and cooled before a 12–24 hour maceration. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vats for approximately 15 days.
Ageing: 6 months in stainless-steel and concrete vats
Winemaker: Château d’Aqueria
Region: Tavel, Rhône Valley, France
Classification: Tavel AOC

Serving Temperature: 10–14°C
Decanting: Not essential, although a short decant can help the wine open when young.
Drinking Window: 2023–2026, with the potential to develop additional complexity over a few years.
Food Pairing: Grilled seafood, bouillabaisse, red snapper with tapenade, scallops, coconut chicken, grilled lamb with Provençal herbs, Mediterranean vegetables, barbecue and Asian cuisine.