Helen’s blog

Thoughts and tastings from Helen Savage, wine writer.

Tavel – shockingly good pink

First an apology – after three weeks without internet access (rescued by Plusnet when Talk Talk failed me) and then four computers in seven days, this blog has slumbered too long.  I’ll try and do better.

I have long enjoyed Chateau d’Acqueria’s Tavel (and, indeed, their Lirac). The 2009 Tavel, bought from Carruthers & Kent for £11.49 is very special. Mind you, it’s so deep that it’s almost a light red – the antithesis of a Provencal pink. It manages to be both savoury and fruity. The latter is ripe stawberry and cherry, the former is signalled on the nose by a herby scent and in the mouth, but a long salty, mineral aftertaste. It’s one of the most complex and flavourful pink wines I’ve ever tasted. The only (minor) fault is that it’s rather soft, though the minerality helps a lot to make up for that. Try it!

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