Caves d'Esclans : Whispering Angel 2021

A Provence rosé that blends freshness and complexity

The estate

With the Mediterranean sea as a backdrop, Château d'Esclans is located in the heart of Provence, to the north-east of Saint-Tropez. The first signs of Château d'Esclans’ existence date back to the Roman Empire. A time when it was used as an observation post over the Gulf of Fréjus, in order to prevent any possible maritime invasions.

Château d'Esclans is an extraordinary estate in the heart of Provence. The Château is known for its old Grenache vines, which produce a grape whose aromas are more concentrated than the young vines.

Built in the 19th century, the current château has had many owners. Owned by Sacha Lichine since 2006, Château d'Esclans has contributed to the elevation of Côtes de Provence wines. With the Whispering Angel range, it has now become a world reference for Provence rosés.

A wine merchant and producer, Caves d'Esclans select vineyards, grapes and wines from Château d'Esclans as well as local producers in order to create what is now regarded as the best rosé in the world.

The vineyard

On the French Riviera, a short distance away from the ancient Roman city of Fréjus, lies the Esclans Valley, home to the 44-hectare vineyard of the eponymous château. The vines are 35 years old on average and are planted on a terroir composed of clay, limestone or sandy gravel, depending on the plot. The tapestry of terroirs provides the château's Côtes de Provence wines with discernibly diverse identities.

In order to obtain the very best-quality grapes and wines possible, a fruitful relationship is treasured with local grape producers, who are committed to Caves d'Esclans, and whose vineyards are maintained with the same exacting requirements as Château d'Esclans' vineyards.

The vintage

When making a rosé wine, the weather plays an crucial role. Temperatures gradually rose in May as the rainfall ceased. A classic summer in Provence. The highlight of summer 2021 was the cool summer nights, with average temperatures of 15°C and lows descending to 11°C! This mixture led to a 2021 vintage with a beautiful aromatic intensity - easily perceptible on the nose.

Vinification and ageing

A masterful know-how that combines traditional and modern techniques. Following a precise selection, the grapes are harvested by hand at night and then transported to the cellars. Then, the grapes undergo an electronic optical sorting, destemming and crushing are carried out gently and delicately at 7-8°C to avoid oxidation. The blending is then carried out with the best free-run and press juices from the Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Carignan and Vermentino grape varieties. Finally, fermentation and ageing take place in stainless steel tanks with their own unique controlled-temperature to ensure the quality of this Whispering Angel.

The blend

Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Carignan and Vermentino

Caves d'Esclans’ Whispering Angel 2021: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

The colour is clear and pleasant.

Nose

Very pure, the nose reveals subtle notes of citrus and fresh red fruit.

Palate

A round and smooth attack precedes a palate that is sustained by a beautiful acidity, making the wine stand out. On the finish, the fine and elegant aromatic framework gives the wine a slightly long expression, without losing its crispness. This Whispering Angel 2021 by Caves d'Esclans is impressive and concentrated. It exhibits a unique blend of freshness and complexity, body and elegance.

Service

For an optimal tasting experince, this rosé wine should be served between 7 and 9°C.