Olivier & Lafont - Tavel Rosé 2021
Gérald Lafont and Baptiste Olivier are known throughout France as two of Rhône Valley's top oenologists. The consulting work that they have done for many of the best estates in the region, which includes overseeing production, from the planting of vines to the corking of the bottles, has given them access to a percentage of the grape yields from some of the Rhône's most highly-acclaimed vineyards. With over 25 years of consulting experience under their belts, Baptiste and Gérald are now entering the fifth year of their collaboration, crafting terroir-driven wines that reflect their passion and expertise. The Olivier & Lafont Provence rosé has earned a permanent place at our tables, in our cellar, and on the shelves of our shop.
Tavel is one of the few all rosé appellations in France. The wines combine freshness with intense flavor concentration and structure as a result of the sand and clay based soils the vines grow on. Olivier & Lafont's Tavel is a blend of Grenache and Cinsault. The wine pours a very deep pink, almost strawberry in color, with hues of red highlighted throughout. Beautiful flavors of ripe red berries dominate the palate with a moderate acidity and a distinct soft tannin profile. This is an excellent alternative to red wine on a hot day because of its intensity and structure, while retaining the brightness and vivacity of a rosé from southern France. This is the perfect rosé for barbecued and smoked meats, sausages and hamburgers, yet still lithe enough to pair with seafood rice or pasta dishes.
