Domaine de la Mordorée Tavel

Bill Dowd photo

Sustainable agriculture is the emerging thing in the global wine industry. In the Rhone Valley of France, one of the oldest commercial terroirs in the world, Domaine de la Mordorée is one of the leading winemakers using such methods.

• Domaine de la Mordorée Tavel

It is refreshing to come across a rosé I can call something other than summery and light. Mordorée's Tavel is as hearty as any rosé you'll encounter.

This blend of traditional grape varieties from the region includes Grenache (60%), Syrah (20%), Cinsault (10%) and Clairette (10%). The result is a smooth, fruit forward wine with a restrained bouquet but palate notes of young strawberries and ripe raspberries along with floral hints.

I tested it against a bolder meal than you'd usually pair up with a rosé -- panko-crusted sauteed chicken breasts with a heavily-herbed sauce of fresh diced tomatoes, shallots, capers and jalapeños, sided by fresh spinach and pomme frites.

It not only held up, it aided the various items on the plate, the blend acting as a connecting flavor factor from the first sip to the last bite.

Suggested retail price: $24.99.

Go to Dowd On Drinks