Maison Tardieu-Laurent was founded in 1996 by Michel Tardieu and Dominique Laurent, though for many years the business has been the exclusive domaine of the Tardieu family. Today, it is run by Michel, his son, Bastien, and daughter, Camille. When Michel started the business, he would ask the growers he worked with two questions: in their appellation, which producers' wines did they enjoy drinking and if they had some friends or producers with well-located, old vines who might be interested to work with him. The result is an extensive network of “partner vignerons” — farmers with whom the family have long-standing relationships, almost all of whom have enviable holdings of old vines in the northern and southern Rhône’s most prestigious appellations. Today, this word of mouth and handshake model is still how the family conducts their business.

The Tardieu-Laurent Tavel is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Cinsault and 10% Syrah from organically-farmed vines that are between 40 and 60 years of age. All grapes are vinified and aged in concrete tanks to ensure the freshness of fruit. Medium scarlet in the glass, this wonderful Tavel emits enchanting aromas of peaches, crushed rocks, white flowers and muddled red berries. The palate delivers exceptional refreshment but also a surprisingly strong build; it drinks with a weight, texture and persistence reminiscent of a light red wine. There's a slight tannic sheen that frames the fruit beautifully, allowing it to cascade across the palate on a mineral spine that flows effortlessly into a bright, energetic finish. What I love most about this Tavel is its versatility: It is great on its own but is also a chameleon on the table, pairing with any array of salads, roasted vegetables, fish, white meat, even sausages and burgers!