Pascal Lafond’s beautifully made wines from Tavel, Lirac and Chateauneuf-du-Pape are among the finest values the region has to offer. This family-run estate, located in the rosé-only appellation of Tavel, produces what is widely considered to be the best Tavel available.
Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine is a family-owned winery with a history dating back to the 18th century. With holdings in Châteauneuf-de-Pape, Lirac, and Côtes du Rhône as well as Tavel, the family has an in-depth knowledge of the terroir of the southern Rhône Valley. In keeping with their dedication to crafting honest, pure wines that convey a distinct sense of place, the family converted to organic farming; their vineyards and winery became certified organic in 2012. The vineyards that produce Tavel's wines are located around the town of Tavel, just southwest of Orange and northwest of Avignon. The region's hot, dry Mediterranean climate means that the grapes have no difficulty in reaching full phenolic ripeness. This, coupled with extended skin contact during fermentation, brings a unique depth of flavor and tannic structure to the finished wines.
The 2021 Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine Tavel Rosé is a blend of 60% grenache, 20% cinsault, and 20% syrah sourced from vines grown in soils of limestone, red clay, and quartz. Brilliant, electric pink in color, it offers floral-tinged aromas of strawberries, raspberries, white peaches, and wet stone that follow on the palate. Bright acidity brings it to a long finish.
