Much more than your typical sub-$10, lazy day, easy-drinking rosé, we check out the latest vintage of the Reserve des Chastelles Tavel Rosé from Vignobles & Compagnie.
A rosé blend of primarily Grenache Noir plus Cinsault, Grenache Blanc, Syrah and Carignan from Tavel, Rhone Valley, France. The wine has 2 g/L of residual sugar.
The Reserve des Chastelles Tavel Rosé is available exclusively at Trader Joe's for just $8.99. It is imported by Plume Ridge.
Tavel is the only appellation in the Rhone Valley which specializes in rosé wine only. Wines from this noble terroir have more body and structure than most rosés. A pure salmon pink color, this Tavel combines subtle aromas of red fruit and toasted almonds. Best as an aperitif or paired with white meat and soft cheese.
14.5% Alcohol
As we've noted before (see: A Serious Rosé From A Place Serious About Rosé) the Tavel region in the Rhone Valley is rather unique. As the only Rhone region exclusively producing rosé wines, they take it very seriously. As such the price of these wines tends to hover much closer to $20 than $10, so to find an authentic representation of the area for just $8.99 is rather incredible.
The first thing you'll notice about the 2019 Reserve des Chastelles Tavel Rosé is that it pours a bit darker red in the glass than your average rosé due to the extended contact with the grape skins. It opens with a pleasing aroma of salty strawberry and cherry along with a touch of watermelon and flowers.
Tasting the wine reveals it to be dry, delicious stuff with plenty of tart, juicy and zesty fruit and a bit of spice. With good structure and body along with good acidity this isn't your typical lazy day, easy-drinking rosé. This one calls for a little more contemplation of its many layers and is quite a surprise at only $9 from Trader Joe's. It ends with a long, lasting finish full of blood orange fruit flavors and a touch of salty minerality.
We thought this 2019 vintage was really delicious once again and similar to the last time we reviewed it, the 2017. Highly recommended, once again.
You can also find more of our favorite Rosés here.
