SCA Château d'Aqueria
Héritage d'Aquéria, Tavel AOC
2023
- Sustainable
About this winery
See the SCA Château d'Aqueria detail page for more information on this brand
Product notes
The terroir of Tavel Héritage d’Aqueria is based on light clay‑sand soils enriched with rolled pebbles and lying over a limestone subsoil, providing excellent drainage and promoting both aromatic concentration and freshness in the grapes. Located between the Tavel and Lirac appellations, the vineyard benefits from a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers, mild winters, strong sunshine, and the cleansing effect of the mistral, while rainfall is concentrated in spring and autumn. The vines, averaging 40 years of age and with some reaching up to 70 years, are managed sustainably and planted with a classic blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Cinsault, which contributes to the wine’s complexity and typicity.
Production notes
The vinification of the Tavel Héritage d’Aqueria is carried out with meticulous care, honoring tradition and allowing the purest expression of the terroir. Both red and white grape varieties are rigorously sorted and hand-harvested at the exact moment when the balance between phenolic maturity and aromatic freshness is deemed ideal. Once picked, the grapes are destemmed and cooled before being placed in vats for a 36-hour maceration. This crucial step imparts the wine’s emblematic color and extracts its full aromatic complexity along with fine, silky tannins that contribute to its elegant structure. Following maceration, the vat is bled off: part of the juice is removed, while the pomace is gently and thoroughly pressed. The press juices are then blended with the free-run juices to preserve the wine’s aromatic richness and finesse. Alcoholic fermentation then begins in temperature-controlled tanks and continues for about two weeks. The aging process continues for 9 months on fine lees in concrete vats, enhancing roundness and complexity. Finally, the wine benefits from an additional 8 months of bottle aging to harmonize all its components and achieve optimal expression at tasting.
Tasting notes
Served between 12–14 °C, it shows an intense ruby color. On the nose, aromas of red fruits (strawberry, raspberry), dried red fruit and citrus (orange), lifted by aromatic herbs (lavender, sage), a hint of spice, and a subtle earthy note. On the palate, the wine is both full-bodied and mouthwatering, driven by juicy fruit, gentle spices, and refreshing acidity. It has a velvety structure, generous texture, and a long finish with a slightly saline and peppery touch. This rich, well-balanced rosé is truly gastronomic. Pair it with seafood (grilled salmon, shellfish), poultry (roast chicken, duck), or aromatic and spiced dishes (vegetable curry, herb-roasted lamb, paella).