Why it matters
The producer
Christophe Delorme's Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Lirac and Tavel wines put Domaine de la Mordorée among the Rhône Valley's elite producers. The domaine works from Tavel in France's Southern Rhône and farms organic and biodynamic vineyards certified by Demeter. La Dame Rousse is its signature Tavel rosé.
Christophe Delorme made Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Lirac and Tavel wines that put Domaine de la Mordorée among the Rhône Valley's elite producers. His name is tied to those three appellations, which remain the clearest record of the wines associated with his work.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Tavel is the home appellation in the Southern Rhône. La Dame Rousse carries Tavel on the label and is made as a rosé, so place and colour arrive together before the grape varieties or cellar work are considered.
La Dame Rousse draws fruit from galets roulés, large round cobblestones, flat white limestones and sandy soil. The three ground types alter heat and water supply around the vines as the grapes ripen. Cold maceration then draws colour and aroma from the harvested skins.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
The vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically under Demeter certification. La Dame Rousse is hand harvested, 100% destemmed and estate bottled. The grapes are crushed and cold macerated under temperature control. Destemming removes stems, while cold maceration draws colour and aroma from the skins.
Wines to know
The range in view
The range spans five Rhône appellations: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Lirac, Tavel, Condrieu and Côtes du Rhône. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Lirac and Tavel are the three appellations named with the domaine's reputation. Tavel is represented by La Dame Rousse, a rosé, while Lirac includes red and white wines. Condrieu and Côtes du Rhône complete the appellation range.
La Dame Rousse opens with fruity aromas of tangerine, grapefruit and strawberry, followed by delicate floral notes. The palate is rounded and fresh, with a smooth texture and delicate tannins. The fruit and flowers lead the nose, while the fresh palate and light tannins shape the finish.