A French Tavel Rosé
Is this wine up to its reputation?...Tavel Rosé
Yes, it’s rosé season again. Today’s wine is a Tavel, just in case the name doesn’t mean anything to you, in the words of one of my favorite wine writers, Tom Stevenson, “Tavel is the most famous French dry rosé, but only the very best domains live up to its reputation.” And Château de Manissy is not on his (short) list. The locals have been doing wine for two millennia in this part of France just north of Avignon. The property belong to the Missionary of the Holy Family and has been home to rosés for a century. The Château’s wine cellar is open six days a week and you can find other regional products as well as wines. Their web site promotes wine tours, some combined with bicycle tours. Today’s companion wine is an Argentine Shiraz at half the cost.
OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Château de Manissy Tavel Rosé Appellation Tavel Contrôlée 2010 13 % alcohol about $15
There were no marketing materials so let’s start by quoting the back label. “A fruity wine, with raspberry, and blackberry flavors. A blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Bourboulenc, ideal for all kinds of light meals.” And now for my review.
Avignon France
At the first sips this wine tasted of raspberries and was pleasantly sweet. I then nibbled on slightly sweet Japanese rice crackers with peanuts; in response this rosé’s acidity stepped up and the raspberries darkened. The main dish was a meatless lasagna made with spinach noodles. Now the wine was long and its acidity cleansed the mouth. I tasted raspberries and lemons. Dessert consisted of fresh raspberries that muted the rosé. The wine was muted but not gone; in fact it became metallic.
My next meal centered on ground beef with chilies and corn, peas, and mushrooms over rice. The libation offered raspberries and burnt sugar; it was pleasantly dark. When I chilies and lime Louisiana sauce to the meat dish the wine didn’t change; it simply absorbed the sauce. At dessert time the strawberries rendered the wine round with the taste of burnt sugar. Upon meeting fruit juice candy the wine displayed round acidity and lots of strawberries.
My final meal consisted of an omelet containing mushrooms, cumin, marjoram, bay leaves, and parsley. The wine was very refreshing with a touch of caramel, light acidity, and raspberries. A fresh tomato darkened and intensified this Tavel. The caponata side dish (tomatoes, eggplant, onions, celery, green olives, and tomato paste) almost transformed this libation into a red; it was fairly intense.
The first cheese was a provolone. I tasted mostly strawberries. Then came a goat’s milk cheese containing figs. Now wine was slightly sour. So much for the cheeses.
Final verdict. I would buy this wine again. In fact I’m recommending it to my wine club’s next rosé tasting. But I’m hoping for something better.
Access the companion wine A Wine Lover's Weekly Review Of $10 Wine - An Argentine Shiraz Rosé
About the Author
Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but to be honest, he would
rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario
French-language community college. His wine websites include
www.theworldwidewine.com
and http://www.wineinyourdiet.com
Visit his website devoted to Italian travel
www.travelitalytravel.com
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