Château d'Aquéria - Tavel 2013

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

Deep and complex, Aquéria's Tavel was once again a unanimous favorite this year. It has a slightly caramelized aroma with spicy notes. It's a terroir-driven rosé, with a strong Grenache character—full-bodied and rich. In short, a great Tavel for the dinner table.

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:

This Tavel, crafted from six grape varieties—led by Grenache—catches the eye with its red-fruit hue. These fruit notes are also evident on the nose, beautifully balanced with subtle spices and exotic fruits. On the palate, it is round, rich, and full-bodied, with a delicate freshness and a pleasant hint of bitterness that lend it length and vitality.

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.

Concours Général Agricole de Paris

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Very attractive, with notes of ripe raspberry, crushed flowers, forest floor, and strawberry, the 2013 Tavel is a medium-bodied rosé that is precise and elegant, with solid freshness, good richness, and a well-defined finish. A serious Tavel best enjoyed over the next two years.