Chateau de Manissy 2022 Tavel "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" 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. The 2022 is a gorgeous wine - a true Rosé of gastronomy that will drink beautifully for ten years or more, showing aromas of fruit confit, flowers and spice. The palate is silky and dense with a red wine feel, with red currant, tart cherry and saline minerals that linger in the extraordinary, sapid, complex and very long finish. Serve with grilled tuna, pork or lamb, 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. Delicious now, aging of at least a few years is also recommended. -David Lillie