A recent revolution has recently hapenned in the heart of the Côtes de Provence region. Its name: Le Château d'Esclans. Since 2008, this revitalized estate has been producing some of the best and most expensive rosé in the world, giving a healthy shake to an industry that was largely dominated by cheap and low quality wines. The recent success of Le Château d'Esclans is attributed to Sascha Lichine who bought the property in 2006, and the collaboration of the master winemaker Patrick Leon (previously with Mouton-Rothschild). A new era is about to begin for the Côtes de Provence, and this should be celebrated!
For many decades, only a few houses like Les Domaines Ott and Bandol were producing quality Côtes de Provence rosés. It is almost fair to say that at that time, rosé wines did not have the aura enjoyed by red wine, but were rather considered as a second class wine mostly enjoyed during the hot days of summer. No formal meals would then be paired with a rosé. Today, the wider availability of high quality rosés is creating a major change in the wine industry, and its rippling effect is starting to affect international markets such as North American where historically, rosé wines have never had a strong following. Rosé has finally earn its pedigree.
"whispering Angel" is the entry level wine of the Chateau's line of Rosé. Versatile, fresh and fruity and affordable at $17.99 or €14
The Chateau's vineyards resting before the new season.
The estate is nestled in a typical Provençal surrounding
The chateau as it exists today is inspired by a Tuscan Villa and was built during the 19th century.
Rosé has long been associated with Provence. Half of the rosé produced in France comes from Provence and 80% of the wine produced in Provence is rosé. With an increased popularity of the Provence region and way of live, without forgetting the famous Mediteranean diet, it is not hard see why the Côtes de Provence would not be part of the hype, especially if you offer an exceptional product. “People in the South of France are happy, carefree and enjoying life. They drink rosé by the pool, during the day, at the nightclubs. People drink rosé from morning until night,” said Paul Chevalier, National Fine Wine Director for Shaw-Ross International Wine Importers and representative of Château D’Esclans.
This is probably what Sacha Lachine had in mind when he bought the 19th century estate. To make a good wine in such a short period of time requires an exceptional combination of elements ... that definitely were present in this case: Mr Lachine long experience in the wine industry (he is the son of Alexis Lachine who owned Châteaux Lascombes, Ferrières et Prieuré Lichine), the perfect terroir (44 hectares of old vines with a perfect exposure and soil), and the perfect talent (with the collaboration of renowned oenologists Patrick Léon and Michel Rolland).
"whispering Angel" is the entry level wine of the Chateau's line of Rosé. Versatile, fresh and fruity and affordable at $17.99 or €14
The Chateau's vineyards resting before the new season.
The estate is nestled in a typical Provençal surrounding
The chateau as it exists today is inspired by a Tuscan Villa and was built during the 19th century.
Rosé has long been associated with Provence. Half of the rosé produced in France comes from Provence and 80% of the wine produced in Provence is rosé. With an increased popularity of the Provence region and way of live, without forgetting the famous Mediteranean diet, it is not hard see why the Côtes de Provence would not be part of the hype, especially if you offer an exceptional product. “People in the South of France are happy, carefree and enjoying life. They drink rosé by the pool, during the day, at the nightclubs. People drink rosé from morning until night,” said Paul Chevalier, National Fine Wine Director for Shaw-Ross International Wine Importers and representative of Château D’Esclans.
This is probably what Sacha Lachine had in mind when he bought the 19th century estate. To make a good wine in such a short period of time requires an exceptional combination of elements ... that definitely were present in this case: Mr Lachine long experience in the wine industry (he is the son of Alexis Lachine who owned Châteaux Lascombes, Ferrières et Prieuré Lichine), the perfect terroir (44 hectares of old vines with a perfect exposure and soil), and the perfect talent (with the collaboration of renowned oenologists Patrick Léon and Michel Rolland).
One of the caves where the oak vinification with burgundian-style bâtonnage occurs. Each demi muid contains 600 liters and have an individual temperature control.
The tasting room inside the cave. The chateau’s cellar structure or foundation is known today as the oldest in the region.
Every detail has been taking into consideration to beautify the cave.
Le Château d'Esclans currently produces 4 rosés: Whispering Angel (The entry level rosé, noted for its fresh, fruity yet bone dry characteristic, vinifed in stainless steel - $17.99 or €14 ), Esclans (The second label, partial oak vinification giving it hints of the complexity and structure of the high end cuvees, scored 90 from Wine Spectator - $35 or €25), Les Clans (First of the higher-end cuvee, fermentation in new and second year demi muids (600 liter barrels) for 10 months in Burgundian style, production limited to 7 barrels - $62.99 or €50), and finally Garrus (Heralded the greatest Rosé in the world as well as the most expensive, made from 80 year old Grenache and Rolle vines, limited quantity with only 3 barrels per vintage, scored 91 from Wine Spectator - $90 or €80). The original touch developed by the chateau is the use of traditional burgundian method for the rosé vinification.*
* Except for the Whispering Angel which is vinifed stainless steel.
The first two rosés are reasonably priced for their high quality. Because of their limited quantities, it can be rather difficult to source them. We would advise to stock them whenever you can get a hand on a case, and store them appropriately. The two later ones are only available through handpicked distributors which are all listed on the company's website. If you are visiting the Saint Tropez region, the short haul to visit the estate and buy a bottle of Garrus, is definitely worth it. You will get the total Jet Set experience.
* Except for the Whispering Angel which is vinifed stainless steel.
The first two rosés are reasonably priced for their high quality. Because of their limited quantities, it can be rather difficult to source them. We would advise to stock them whenever you can get a hand on a case, and store them appropriately. The two later ones are only available through handpicked distributors which are all listed on the company's website. If you are visiting the Saint Tropez region, the short haul to visit the estate and buy a bottle of Garrus, is definitely worth it. You will get the total Jet Set experience.
The chateau wine shop.
Garrus rosé AKA the most expensive rosé in the world (€80 - $90).
Cases of Garrus and Whispering Angel in the Chateau wine shop.
The showroom also offer a nice selection of Grand vins de Bordeaux as well as the house"s new red wine "Deesse".
Nearby gastronomic tables
Hostellerie les Georges de Pennafort (One Michelin star)
Read my article this restaurant
Closed from mid January to mid March. Closed on Sunday and Monday for dinner (Except July - August) and Wednesday for lunch.
Route de Callas
83830 Callas
Tel: +33 (0)4 94 76 66 51
Website and email
A la carte and 2 Menus (€60 and €140, Lunch €49). Chef Da Silva prepares a tasty and inventive cuisine in a contemporary, Art Deco style dining room. Well-stocked cellar. Very generous portions!
Bruno (One Michelin star)
Open everyday except Sunday dinner and Monday from 15 September to 15 June.
2350 rte des Arcs
Campagne Mariette
Tel: +33 (0)4 94 85 93 93
Website and email
2 Menus (€65 and €165). A colourful chef with a passion for truffles runs this farmhouse restaurant surrounded by vineyards. Rustic Provençal decor, serving a set menu with truffles in winter and summer.
L'Oustaou (Bib gourmand*)
Closed 1rst - 15th November, February school holidays, Sunday dinner, Monday and Wednesday in low season; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday lunch in July-August
Au village
83780 Flayosc
Tel: +33 (0)4 94 70 42 69
A la carte and 2 Menus (€45 and €60, Lunch €18). The name of this former post house means small farmhouse. Updated interior decoration in keeping with the modern cuisine, enhanced by regional flavors.
* A Bib Gourmand rating means the restaurant is an inspector's favorite for good value. For $40 or less, you can enjoy two courses and a glass of wine or dessert (not including tax and gratuity).
* A Bib Gourmand rating means the restaurant is an inspector's favorite for good value. For $40 or less, you can enjoy two courses and a glass of wine or dessert (not including tax and gratuity).
La Bastide des Magnans
Closed June 25th to July 4th, December 24th to 31rst, Sunday dinner, Wednesday dinner and Monday in low season.
20 av. de la Résistance
83550 Vidauban
Tel: +33 (0)4 94 99 43 91
Website and email
A la Carte and 2 Menus (€30 and €78, Lunch €19). This former silkworm nursery is home to two bright dining rooms redecorated in chic, country style. Well-composed traditional menu. Five charming rooms, each of which is perfectly decorated according to a different theme and ambiance.
For more information on Le Château d'Esclans
Château d'Esclans - Domaine Sacha Lichine
4005 route de Callas
83920 La Motte en Provence
Tel: +33 (0)4 94 60 40 40
The Website provides a detailed list of the company's distributors.
List of Awards
Le Mondial du Rosé in Cannes
* Whispering Angel 2008 Gold Medal
* Les Clans 2007 Gold Medal
* Garrus 2007 Silver Medal
Femmes et Vins du Monde in Monaco
* Les Clans 2007 Silver Medal
55th Annual Concours des Grand Vins des France in Macon
* Chateau d'Esclans 2007 Bronze Medal
* Garrus 2007 Bronze Medal
Challenge International du Vin in Bourg
* Whispering Angel 2007 Silver Medal
* Les Clans 2007 Silver Medal
* Garrus 2007 Silver Medal
* Chateau d'Esclans 2007 Bronze Medal
Wines of Provence
The official site of the CIVP/Provence Wine Council, an association of 600+ wine producers from the world's leading rose winemaking region.
Website
Interactive map
Check out our interactive map of Provence to see where I took all the pictures featured in this article.
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