Tavel, land of Rosé

Rosés of Spring, Blooming Now at Chambers Street!

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30 degrees in NY this morning, but Spring is coming!

Our friend Eric Asimov at the NY Times is a staunch advocate of drinking Rosé all year round - REAL Rosé, that is, from organic farming, fermented slowly with wild yeasts and aged a bit before bottling. From France, the wines of Bandol and Tavel immediately come to mind and we would include the better rosés from the Loire, Provence and the Rhone Valley. Today's email features Rosés from the 2020 vintage that are drinking beautifully now - and through 2022 - as well as a superb and timeless 2019 Tavel from Chateau de Manissy that will be a gourmet treat over the next ten years!

(One of Mr. Asimov's favorites is Jean-Paul Brun’s Rosé d’ Folie, "a minerally pink Beaujolais that I would drink any time of the year, especially if I had a plate of chicken roasted with garlic, rosemary and thyme."  And now on sale at $12.99!)

The better 2021s will be in short supply due to the small harvest, and many of the 2020s are now on sale with the importers and represent superb value! Included below are some of our favorite wines of the 2020 vintage as well as the 2019 Chateau de Manissy "Tete de Cuvée."

The Manissy "Tete de Cuvée"

Produced since 1915, this is the historic cuvée of Chateau de Manissy, retaining the ancient label and the ancient methods of production, now enhanced by Biodynamic farming. Similar in style to the Tavel 'Vintage" of Domane L'Anglore, the wine is a blend of Grenache, Clairette and Cinsault that undergoes a 24 to 48 hour maceration on the skins and then a cool fermentation with wild yeasts for about 2 weeks. The wine ages in old barrels for 9 to 12 months. This is a true Rosé of gastronomy that will drink beautifully for ten years or more, showing aromas of fruit confit, flowers and spice with a silky, cool palate with a red wine feel, finishing with red currant, tart cherry and saline minerals. Don't be fooled by the low price, this is an extraodinary Rosé that is delicious now and that will develop beautifully with time in the cellar.

Orders will be ready for pick-up/shipping on March 7

 

No Longer Available

Manissy 2019 Tavel Tete de Cuvée Rosé

 Produced since 1915 this is the historic cuvée of Chateau de Manissy, retaining the ancient label and the ancient methods of production, now enhanced by Biodynamic farming. Similar in style to the Tavel 'Vintage" at Domane L'Anglore, the wine is a blend of Grenache, Clairette and Cinsault that undergoes a 24 to 48 hour maceration on the skins and then a cool fermentation with wild yeasts for about 2 weeks. The wine ages in old barrels for 9 to 12 months. This is a true Rosé of gastronomy that will drink beautifully for ten years or more, showing aromas of fruit confit, flowers and spice with a silky, cool palate with a red wine feel, finishing with red currant, tart cherry and saline minerals. Serve with a ceviche of mackerel or bluefish, North African tagines, full-flavored fish and white meat dishes - the posibilities are endless, or just sip by itself on a summer evening...

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $20.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • Low Sulfur

Terres Dorees (Jean-Paul Brun) 2020 Beaujolais Rosé d'Folie

Jean-Paul Brun releases small quantities of this Beaujolais rosé each year, and it's always a treat. Strawberries, bright red fruit, and a tangy side that contributes to its joyful drinkability. The finish is mineral and crisp, with a very subtle tartness that keeps the impression of a flavorful but overall dry rosé. Perfect with chicken and pork dishes all year, and it's a great aperitif outdoors in the summer... Eben Lillie

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $12.99

  • Organic
  • Low Sulfur

Charvin 2020 Cotes-du-Rhone Rosé

(Wow, still available and shouild be delicious in 2023!) The gorgeous Charvin Rosé is from a 1.5 ha parcel of about 50% Grenache, 50% Cinsault, sometimes with some Bourboulenc and Mourvèdre that averages just 35hL/ha annually.  Organically farmed and entirely harvested by hand with sorting done in the vineyard. The 2020 rosé shows a pale pink color and lovely aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, rose and peach skin. The palate is silky and mineral with subtle raspberry and cherry fruit with stone and citrus flavors, quite long and elegant and finishing with refreshing acidity. This is drinking beautifully and will be a great companion to seafood, chicken and grilled meats this summer and all year round. Lovely wine!

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $15.99

  • Organic
  • Low Sulfur

Bastide Blanche 2020 Bandol Rosé (Arrives 5/20)

 (Arrives Friday 5/20) A reserved Bandol rosè, primarily Mourvedre with Cinsault, Grenache, Clairette and Ugni Blanc. The Mourvedre is pressed and run off directly, the Cinsault and Grenache undergo 24 hours of skin contact. Certified organic grapes from the Bronzo family vineyard in Le Castellet.  The 2020 has a coppery, salmon-colored robe. The nose, initially backward, offers an array of stone fruit and savoy herb notes, with garrigue and ripe peach aromas vying for attention with aeration. The palate offers peach skin, orange oil, and earthy flavors leading to a long, persistent, sapid finish. This  will benefit from a decant or some time open - drink now and over the next three to five years.

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $26.99

  • Organic

Bagnol 2020 Cassis Rosé

We love rosés from Cassis - a great location and terroir for wine despite the chic little town and hordes of tourists! In a vineyard dating back to the 13th century, situated a few hundred metres from the Mediterranean, the Domaine du Bagnol produces one of the most elegant of rosés. Part Grenache, giving structure and weight and part Cinsault, giving delicate red fruit and spice aromas, this pale salmon-colored wine is a refreshing treat!

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $28.99

  • Organic
  • Low Sulfur

Plouzeau (Ch. de la Bonneliere) 2020 Chinon Rive Gauche Rosé

This large organic estate in Chinon produces a light and lovely rosé from Cabernet Franc vines grown on gravel and sandy soils in the "Rive Gauche" and "La Vienne" parcels. The 2020 shows a pale pink/salmon color and bright, slightly spicy and floral raspberry/strawberry aromas. The palate is very crisp and dry, but showing the ripeness of the vintage in the round, sappy fruit, with raspberry, melon and citrus peel flavors. It's light and refreshing and goes down easy - perfect for a hot summer day or with light meals all year, and it's a great value!

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $14.99

  • Organic

La Bernarde 2020 Côtes de Provence Rosé "Hauts du Luc"

We've just retasted the 2020 La Bernarde Rosé (April 12, 2022) and we're happy to say that it's just as delicious as it was last year! It's a very dry and refreshing blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvedre, Rolle (Vermentino) and Syrah. Certified organic and fermented with wild yeasts, the grapes are grown in a high-altitude vineyard on limestone with clay and stones. The Cinsault is very present in the subtle aromas of peach and raspberry with citrus, spice and floral hints. The palate is light, with a silky texture and firm mineral flavors underlying the fresh red fruit, peach and citrus flavors. This is a lovely and versatile wine that will be a delicious aperitif or accompaniment to fish, white meats and lighter grilled foods. At $12.99 this a great bargain - pick-up a few cases for your spring/summer sipping!

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $11.99

  • Organic

Gourgonnier 2020 Les Baux de Provence Rosé

This is a consistently lovely Provençal rosé from a wonderful estate near Les Baux, certified organic for more than 30 years. (www.gourgonnier.com) Lovely aromas of berry fruits, peach and citrus. Refreshing, light-bodied palate with raspberry, citrus and mineral flavors finishing with crisp acidity. Showing well now, this will drink beautifully throughout 2022 and will accompany a salade nicoise, chicken and lighter grilled meats.  

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $12.99

  • Organic

Chevrot 2020 Bourgogne Rose 'Sakura"

(Wine arrives March 8th) This Pinot Noir rosé is a blend of the saignée from villages and 1er cru fruit in Maranges, a straight pressing of Hautes Côtes de Beaune fruit, and pellicular maceration of fruit from Hautes Côtes de Beaune. Pale pink, effusive on the nose with aromas of cherry blossom (of course), wild strawberry, cherry, and chalk. Palate is ripe, racy and juicy. Ripe stone fruit and savory herbal notes lend interest. Lip-smacking finish. This is nearly incandescent with bright fruit and crackling energy. A fabulous rosé for an aperitif  or with dinner.

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $18.99

  • Organic

Les Fouques 2020 Côtes de Provence La Londe "L'Estelle"

 Domaine les Fouques has been certified Biodynamic (Demeter) for 30 years, and also raises sheep, ducks, chickens and guinea-hens on their old-fashioned mixed-use farm. The La Londe "Cuvee L'Estelle" is their best rosé from old vines of Cinsault 51% Grenache 21% Syrah 9% Rolle 15% Ugni blanc 4%. Unlike the majority of Provençal rosés, it is made naturally with wild yeasts, giving a more subtle expression of fruit and terroir. The 2020 is a subtle and beautiful wine showing a very pale salmon  pink color and aromas of peach skin, orange peel, rose, earth and raspberry. The palate is elegant and silky with stone and saline mineral flavors beneath very subtle red and yellow fruits, wild strawberry, hints of spice and citrus peel. The high percentage of white grapes brings delicacy and freshness. The finish is refreshing and long with nice density. This is a lovely rosé of terroir that will drink beautifully over the next three years. Serve with grilled fish, pork and chicken, salade Niçoise, or just sip by itself.  David Lillie

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $18.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic

Les Fouques 2020 Côtes de Provence Impulsion Rosé No SO2

Wow, a Provencal Rosé with no SO2 added - this is sort of exciting as some rosés are loaded with sulfur and are will give a headache to those who are sensitive. The Biodynamic folks at Les Fouques have made the "Impulsion" for two years now and this second version is quite delicious, particulaly for those who appreciate natural no-sulfur wines. The color is a bit opaque, very pale pink, with delicate aromas of  raspberry and strawberry, a bit of peach, citrus and earth. The palate is round and supple, quite dry with berry fruits, spice, mineral and almond flavors, finishing with firm acidity with earth, mineral and berry fruits. Consume with abandon, no added SO2!

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • no discount
  • $17.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • No Sulfur

Thomas Jullien (Ferme St. Martin) 2020 Ventoux Sur la Rose

Thomas Jullien of La Ferme Saint-Martin makes this pure and refreshing rosé from organic Grenache and Cinsault grown in the foothills of the Mont Ventoux. There is almost zero added SO2 which makes this delightful wine more elegant and subtle, showing candied berry fruit, melon, and strawberry aromas, with a hint of citrus and spice. The finish is pretty and mineral, with a refreshing, cooling quality. A great summer wine: perfect for sipping on the patio or the fire escape with or without food. - and it's a sensational value!

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $13.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • Low Sulfur

Petite Baigneuse (Philippe Wies) 2020 Vin de France Imposture (Bl de Noir)

Philippe Wies at La Petite Baigneuse made "Imposture" -  a blanc de noir rosé - from Grenache grown on shiste soils. The wine shows a very pale pink/orange color and pretty aromas of strawberry, citrus, earth and rose petal. The palate has nice density and texture, but remains light and fresh, with pure raspberry/strawberry fruit, citrus, earth and a very long finish of sappy bright fruits and refreshing acidity. It's a pleasure to drink a such a flavorful, natural rosé with zero  or minimal SO2.

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $24.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • Low Sulfur

Baudry, Bernard & Matthieu 2021 Chinon Rosé (12 btl case)

The Matthieu and Bernard Baudy Chinon Rosé is one of our very favorites but there won't be very much to go around  this year as frost and bad weather caused a very small harvest. For those of you who don't want to miss it, we've added a few cases to today's email - arrival will be in early May.

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $252.00

  • Organic
  • Low Sulfur