Exploring Chateau d’Esclans Rosé Wines from Provence

Chateau d’Esclans, a magical property, is situated in the heart of Provence, northeast of St Tropez overlooking the Esclans Valley with the Mediterranean coast in the faint distance. There is evidence that the land was occupied as long as 2500 years ago when it was probably uses as a lookout point for intruders sailing into the Gulf of Frejus. The original château – of which now only the cellar remains – dates back to before the 12th century.  Sacha Lichine acquired Château d’Esclans in 2006. 

Today there are 345 acres of vineyards. The primary grape grown on the property is Grenache followed by Vermentino. Other grapes include Cinsault, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Tibouren. The château is known for its old Grenache vines which produce grapes that offer a greater concentration of flavour than the younger vines. As the elevation to where the lots of vines are situated increases so do the age of the vines. At the highest elevated lot vines are as old as 90 years.

Notes on Chateau d’Esclans - Garrus

The grapes are selected from vines that are up to 90 years old, consisting primarily of Grenache, Vermentino and Syrah. They are harvested from sunrise to noon. The grapes are optically sorted, destemmed and slightly crushed at 7-8’C to avoid oxidation. The wine consists of 90% free run juice and a further 10% first slight pressing.  Alcoholic fermentation occurs in new and second year demi-muids (600L barrels). Ten months of burgundian style bâtonnage occurs twice weekly with individual barrel temperature control.

The resulting wine is considered to be Château d’Esclans’ finest wine. This powerful and elegant wine was at the heart of Sacha Lichine’s vision in 2006 to make rosé grand. Today Garrus is firmly established as a world class, iconic luxury rosé. It is an impressive and concentrated rosé with a creamy finish featuring rich and spicy notes rivalling any top white wine or prestige champagne. This wine is quite full-bodied and as a result will easily hold up to foods that are traditionally paired with red wines such as steak and lamb.

Notes on Chateau d’Esclans - Les Clans

The grapes used to produce Les Clans are selected from the best quality lots bearing old vines. They are primarily Grenache, Vermentino and Syrah grape varieties. Harvesting is done from sunrise to noon. The grapes are sorted optically, de-stemmed and slightly crushed at a temperature of 7-8’c to avoid oxidation. The wine is made from 90% free juice and 10% juice from the first slight pressing.  Alcoholic fermentation is done in new and second year demi-muids (600L barrels).  The temperature of each barrel is individually controlled and undergoes 10 months of burgundian bâttonage twice weekly.

Epitomising a sophisticated, food driven wine, Les Clans is quite remarkable in that it can be enjoyed with great pleasure now but also has the potential to age. It is both rich and exotic while being full-bodied and elegant. The wine has a pale rosé de Provence colour with a very elegant fresh nose. On the palate there are stone fruits and red berries with subtle hints of citrus and flowers, the oak ageing adds a complexity and texture that results in a long finish.

Les Clans is bold enough to be paired with most meat and fish dishes but is also delicate enough to be paired with cheese and vegetable dishes. It is a wine that can either be dressed up or dressed down.

Notes on Chateau d’Esclans - Rock Angel

The grapes that are produced to make Rock Angel are Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (vermentino). Harvesting occurs from sunrise to noon and the grapes are optically sorted. De-stemming and slight crushing occur at 7-8’c to avoid oxidation. Both free run juice and pressed juice are partially vinified in demi-muds (600L barrels) and stainless steel, both of which are temperature controlled.

Rock Angel, the big sister to Whispering Angel, bears a more complex and structured taste profile bringing it into a more premium realm giving rosé lovers a bigger and richer wine. The pale pink wine is crisp and clean on the nose whilst on the palate there are ripe fruit flavours of strawberries and peaches. If you like the minerality of a Sancerre you will love this wine. This wine is complex and medium-bodied enough to be paired with most fine foods.

Notes on Chateau d’Esclans - Whispering Angel

Whispering Angel is made from Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (Vermentino) grapes. Harvesting is from sunrise to noon and the grapes are sorted optically. De- stemming and slight crushing occur at temperatures of 7-8’c to avoid oxidation. Both the free run juice and pressed juices are vinified in stainless steel.  Bâtonnage occurs twice weekly.

Whispering Angel’s pale apricot-pink colour is pleasing to the eye and the rewarding taste profile is full and lush while being bone dry with a smooth finish. There are delicate aromas of melon and peaches and on the palate there is a fresh juicy character with a hint of stony minerality which adds to the sophistication of the finish. This wine can be drunk as an aperitif or pairs well with grilled steaks, fish, salads and cheese.

Notes on Chateau d’Esclans - The Palm

Made from Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan grapes that are harvested from sunrise to noon. The grapes are optically sorted, de-stemmed and lightly crushed to limit oxidation. It is then aged on fine lees in stainless steel vats.

The Palm is an authentic rosé from Provence that operates as a playful, trendy, energetic “little sister” to Whispering Angel. The Palm is a little deeper pink than Whispering Angel and is refreshingly approachable with an aromatic freshness on the nose followed by more subtle, fruity notes of red fruits on the palate. This wine can be paired with lighter foods such as shellfish, pork, vegetarian and poultry.

Château d’Esclans Estate Collection

A fabulous mixed case of d’Esclans’ rosé wine. This limited Estate Collection case includes the 2019 vintage of Château d’Esclans, Les Clans and Garrus. The case includes a personal note from Sacha Lichine addressed to the “Collector” with an assigned Collector’s number marked at the top which you can use to notify Château d’Esclans by email of your purchase. This will in turn yield a certificate that the Château will send to you inviting you for a private visit to the Château at your leisure. Also included in the case is Château d’Esclans informative and colourful brochure.