Château d'Aqueria - Tavel 2022

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

The estate is unique in that it is the only one to extend in a single block across the Tavel and Lirac appellations, covering 65 hectares. Its surface pebbles and sandy-clay subsoil produce rather fresh wines, as the vines suffer less from the heat than in other areas. Tavel contains eight of the nine grape varieties permitted in the appellation, a source of great pride for the Bez family, who manage this magnificent estate with discretion and wisdom. With its reasonable prices, it is a model for the region. The wines produced here demonstrate tremendous aging potential and develop admirably in complexity, as regularly demonstrated by vertical tastings.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

Sandy soils have the unique ability to keep the ground cool, even at the height of summer. Without any pretension, this 2022 vintage reveals a delightful bouquet of Napoleon and Gariguette cherries, enhanced by a hint of minerality. Full-bodied, smooth, and fresh, enveloped in quince flavors nuanced with starchy notes, the palate shows great depth. A lively Tavel.

About the estate:

In 1919, Jean Olivier acquired the former estate of the Counts of Aqueria, dominated by an 18th-century château and adorned with a formal French garden. His son-in-law, Paul de Bez, completely restructured the vineyard: today, 64 hectares in a single block, managed since 1984 by his grandsons Vincent and Bruno, now joined by Raphaël, the fourth generation. A reliable producer of Lirac and Tavel wines.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the estate:

Château d'Aqueria dates back to the 16th century. In 1920, it was acquired by Jean Olivier, who brought it to prominence. Today, Vincent and Bruno de Bez oversee the land of their childhood—no less than 66 hectares. Aside from Tavel, a renowned gastronomic rosé, the rest of the production, under the Lirac appellation (both red and white), is often noteworthy.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The 2022 Tavel is made up of nearly half Grenache, with the remainder consisting of Cinsault, Clairette, Mourvèdre, and Syrah, and even includes small amounts of Bourboulenc and Picpoul. If you can wait until summer—or even fall—to open a bottle, that would be a good idea; otherwise, you can decant it before serving. For now, the wine is a bit austere, with notes of wet stone that temper the impact of the red berries and citrus on the nose, and the full-bodied palate feels just a bit tight and constricted, but it has the potential to open up in a few months.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

This Tavel offers a delightful interplay on the palate between summer fruits and savory notes. Wild strawberries, fresh watermelon, and freshly picked cherries blend beautifully with pink pepper, wild herbs, and crushed stone. Enjoy it now with grilled vegetables or chicken skewers.

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

A very appealing nose, with bright, punchy red and blue fruit. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with very fine, well-defined tannins, a herbaceous note accompanied by mineral and salty undertones. The elegant finish is beautifully balanced and textured.

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

The 2022 Tavel is a magnificent wine with aromas of ripe strawberries and flowers, complemented by a medium-bodied palate that is pure and elegant, offering great richness and depth while remaining fresh, light, and well-balanced.