Domaine Lafond 2021 Roc-Epine Tavel, France
Château de Jarnioux 2020 Beaujolais, France
Now that cool autumn temperatures have arrived, it’s time to enjoy wines that capture the flavors of fall. While there are many options available, two fresh and fruity French wines to put on your radar are Tavel rosés and Beaujolais reds. These are two types of wines that meet in the middle. Tavel rosés are darker in color, more complex and fuller-bodied than Provençal-style rosés while Beaujolais wines tend to be lighter and fruitier than many other kinds of reds. The following are two delicious examples to enjoy now and keep in mind for Thanksgiving.
Domaine Lafond 2021 Roc-Epine Tavel, France
Bought • The Wine Merchant, 7817 Forsyth Boulevard, in October for $14.99
Description • Tavel, located in the southern Rhône, is the sole French appellation that only permits rosé production. These unique wines are known as the red wine lover’s rosé. Take a sip of this high-scoring, deep pink beauty and you’ll know why. A blend of 60% grenache, 20% cinsault and 20% syrah, this is a rich, medium-bodied rosé with noticeable tannins. It tastes of juicy raspberries and strawberries and ends with a long, spicy finish. This is a bold rosé that can stand up to flavorful and robust foods including barbecued meats, grilled chicken and salmon.
Château de Jarnioux 2020 Beaujolais, France
Bought • The Wine Merchant, 7817 Forsyth Boulevard, in October for $10.99
Description • Beaujolais, an appellation in the southern part of the Burgundy region, is often associated with the simple and very fruity Beaujolais Nouveau. However, the latter is a special category of barely 2-month-old wine released every third Thursday of November. If you’d prefer a more serious light-bodied red, give this versatile wine a try. A beautiful expression of gamay grapes, this juicy red has a bright acidity and tastes of slightly tart red fruits like cranberries and pomegranates. It would go well with charcuterie, white meat and soft cheeses.
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