Pamper yourself with one of the new generation of super luxurious pink wines
By David Williams
Château d’Esclans Garrus, Côtes de Provence 2021 (£120.50, clos19.com) The irresistible rise of cult rosé estate Château d’Eslcans is one of the more remarkable stories in wine in recent years. When the man behind it, Sacha Lichine, the French-American son of the Russian émigré wine writer and Bordeaux estate proprietor Alexis Lichine, set up shop in Provence in 2006, his plan to make “fine” rosé looked to many like an act of folie de grandeur. Pink wine, after all, was seen as something pleasantly refreshing but essentially simple for sipping on hot summer days, a style that no serious oenophile could possibly compare to the best examples of red or white. Lichine’s top wine Garrus was the startling challenge to this conventional wisdom. Made from a mix of old-vine red grenache and the white vermentino using techniques more akin to the top white wines of Burgundy (it’s fermented and aged in oak rather than the stainless steel of most pink wine), its resistible price tag makes you want to hate it. But the latest, luxuriously silky, spicy-toasty vintage has a kind of graceful power that is intensely alluring.
The Beach by Whispering Angel, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, France 2022 (from £16.50, Morrisons, Tesco, Waitrose, Majestic)
The audacious Garrus was the canny Lichine’s way of persuading wine critics to ditch their preconceptions about rosé and get them to talk about his nascent project. But the name which catapulted the estate to a level of fame that is exceptionally unusual for a wine brand was Whispering Angel. When I visited d’Esclans in September, its glitzy boutique was busy with impeccably dressed wealthy young things taking a break from their holidays on the nearby Côte d’Azur to make a pilgrimage to the home of Adele, Victoria Beckham and Malia Obama’s favourite wine. What is it about Whispering Angel that has made it such a rapid success, growing from about 130,000 bottles in its first vintage in 2006 to more than 1m 12-bottle cases today? A mix of astute marketing and good luck is part of the story; but tasting the latest 2022 vintage of both the main Whispering Angel (£20, widely available) and the, in my opinion, much better-value spin-off The Beach, I was struck by how effectively they deliver the soft-focus strawberry-and-cream, melon and gentle citrus freshness that is the hallmark of good Provence rosé.
The best spots on Ibiza to sip cocktails and build your tan.
By Lissy Lubeck
Located on the upper east coast of the island, Nikki Beach Ibiza can be considered somewhat of a hidden gem to the tourists who frequent the resorts of San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa. But it shouldn’t be. It’s rare that I venture to this end of the island myself. When I do, I am reminded of the beauty it holds. I spent the day at this stunning beach resort on Monday, soaking it all up on one of their gorgeous poolside sun loungers.
Nestled within a low key, stunning cove of refreshing blue aguas and dreamy yachts, I was in awe from the moment I stepped foot into the Nikki Beach premises.
As my maiden visit, I was intrigued to see how it compared to other beach clubs in Ibiza, as I’d heard it’s the perfect sweet spot between chilled out relaxation and the fun-loving vibes found elsewhere.
Greeted by a host of gorgeous looking ladies at reception, my friends and I were guided to our bed for the day, which came with its own sofa, umbrella and table. I immediately fell into a state of zen, as the poolside DJ played chilled out sexy sounds and the Mediterranean sea glistened in the background.
Throughout the day, we moved between our heavenly sun lounger, the pool and sea, then paid the Nikki Beach restaurant a visit for lunch. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect Monday.
The girls couldn’t quite believe that this is what I do for a living, this being a pinch me moment on their holiday!
We indulged in a range of delicious cocktails and a generously gifted on-the-house bottle of Whispering Angel rosé wine, not to mention an incredible platter of fruit and mini desserts they had put together.
There’s no need to lift a muscle at Nikki, as the hostesses are super attentive and fulfilled our needs twofold.
From making sure we were constantly topped up with refreshments and going out of their way to check in on us throughout the afternoon, their hard work and attention to detail doesn’t go unnoticed.
Whether you’re looking for a bit of daytime fun with your pals, a place to boogie and indulge in a mega-sized bottle of wine or simply relax the day away and read a book, Nikki Beach is the perfect place to do so.
It’s safe to say that I will be making a return before the end of summer, that’s a given.
Indulge in the world of exquisite rosé wines, where delicate hues meet captivating flavors.
By Paul Kushnera
In this exploration of the finest rosés, we delve into the artistry and craftsmanship that elevate this elegant varietal.
From sun-kissed vineyards to expert vintners, our journey uncovers the nuanced profiles and timeless appeal of rosé wines.
Discover the allure of blush-tinted elixirs that dance on the palate, offering a symphony of notes that range from fruity to floral.
Join us as we navigate the vineyards, uncork the stories, and celebrate the allure of these cherished pink libations.
Château d’Esclans Les Clans
Within the realm of exquisite rosé wines, Château d’Esclans Les Clans emerges as a true gem.
Embodying the epitome of elegance, this rosé offers a sensory journey that encapsulates the essence of Provence.
Its pale, ethereal hue entices the eye, while the palate is graced with layers of red fruit and subtle florals.
Les Clans stands as a testament to the art of rosé, an embodiment of the passion and expertise that define the finest in pink wine craftsmanship.
This rosé enchants the palate with its refreshing crispness and subtle minerality, making it an ideal companion for warm gatherings or leisurely afternoons.
Whispering Angel Rosé
Whispering Angel Rosé is a symphony of flavors that transports the senses to the sun-soaked vineyards of Provence.
Delicate aromas of red berries and white blossoms entice the nose, while the palate revels in notes of ripe peach and citrus.
Its crisp acidity and smooth finish make it a versatile companion for any occasion, from leisurely lunches to glamorous soirées.
Embark on a journey of elegance with Whispering Angel Rosé, where every sip whispers tales of indulgence.
I have always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. My restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time I turned 17 I was serving tables, and by 19 I was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.
In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, I opened my first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Château d’Esclans in southern France’s Côtes de Provence. (Photo courtesy of the winery)
Bertrand Léon sends free-run juice into 600-liter demi-muids for 11 months, stirring the lees twice a week. That translates into an undercurrent of richness to the already-rich piecrust and grapefruit-pith flavors. The intensity of its flavors should gain more clarity with time, and the wine has the structure to age.
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Château d’Esclans 2021 Côtes de Provence Les Clans
$85
Every week, our editors highlight a wine that intrigued them in our blind panel tastings, expanding on their tasting note in this space. These are entirely editorial choices; there are no paid placements. Subscribers can also access the original tasting note by searching here.
Fruity and dry: These 5 rosé wines are perfect for summer
By Mario Mirschberger
From very pale rosé to a strong bright red: rosé wine comes in a wide variety of colors and with a wide variety of aromas. Its taste is apparently a universal weapon on the wine market, because everyone can now agree on rosé wine. The best season for a cold glass of rosé wine is clearly midsummer. In the evening under the open sky, well chilled – these are those summer moments that you want to create right now. However, in order for the rosé wine to taste good, you should not just buy just any wine. We looked around for the five best rosé wines of the summer and found everything : from well-designed bottles to sustainable concepts to honest craftsmanship.
You’ve probably come across the name Whispering Angel in connection with rosé wine . This is probably because this wine is no longer an insider tip , but is probably one of the best-known and most popular rosé wines in the world. A rosé list without Whispering Angel from the Provençal Château D’Escalns is therefore almost impossible. The aromas contrast in color with the wine: watermelon and pomegranate, a pale pink in the glass . Whispering Angel is a light yet confident wine that has its own and distinctive character.
Château d’Esclans & Chef Daniel Boulud Are Bringing The South of France To New York & Miami Again
By Stephanie DiGuiseppe
Experiencing the true rose lifestyle of the French Riviera is being made possible this summer without the use of your passports. Château d’Esclans, a magical winery situated in the heart of Provence, has teamed up with Chef Daniel Boulud for their second summer of “Boulud Sur Mer,” which promises to transport guests to the South of France while dining at Boulud’s restaurants.
From now until September 3rd, guests can expect to experience the luxury of the Riviera at various locations in the U.S., including New York City, Palm Beach, and Miami. “Like so many people, I would love to be able to spend my summer on the French Riviera,” says Chef Boulud. “Boulud Sur Mer is a wonderful opportunity for me to bring a little piece of that Rivera lifestyle to my restaurants in New York City, Floria, and around the world. It is a pleasure to once again partner with Château d’Esclans to bring the exceptional cuisine and wine of the South of France to our guests worldwide.”
At each location, guests can enjoy a meticulously composed meal paired with a refreshing glass of rosé in an atmosphere that pays homage to the region from which Chef Boulud hails and where the award-winning wines from the Château d’Esclans are produced. Chef Daniel has curated a special Provencal style menu to pair perfectly with the wines, which will be featured both by the glass and by the bottle on the specially curated menu. Each dish will be composed of traditional ingredients from the region, and guests will have the chance to experience the flavors, sights, and smells of the Cote d’Azur.
“We are honored to continue our partnership for another season with Chef Daniel Boulud and his culinary team for Boulud Sur Mer,” says Sacha Lichine, Founder and President of Château d’Esclans. “We’re thrilled to continue to bring the rosé lifestyle to these prestigious establishments so that all can experience the true essence of the South of France.”
The following locations will feature Boulud’s Provencal menu paired with exceptional rosés from the Château d’Esclans wine portfolio, creating a true culinary and rosé journey.
The Bar at DANIEL, located on 60 East 65th Street, New York, NY, is set to feature Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel, providing patrons with a taste of this exquisite rosé. Similarly, Le Pavillon on One Vanderbilt Avenue, and Le Gratin on 5 Beekman Street, both in New York, NY, will also delight guests with a selection that includes Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel and Les Clans. Additionally, Boulud Sud NYC on 20 West 64th Street, and Bar Boulud on 1900 Broadway, both situated in New York, NY, will showcase the Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel range, along with Rock Angel and Garrus, adding to the culinary experience. Furthermore, Épicerie Boulud, found on 1900 Broadway at 64th St and Westfield World Trade Center, New York, NY, will complete the offering with Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel and The Beach by Whispering Angel. Wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike can now relish in the exquisite flavors of Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel wines while enjoying the finest cuisines that the city has to offer.
Then, in Miami, Boulud Sud MIA will feature Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel and Château d’Esclans Estate Wine, and in Palm Beach, the renowned Café Boulud Palm Beach will have the Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel and Rock Angel.
Decanter luxe list: Summer A seasonal series collating luxury wine experiences taking place in the most coveted of cellars, vineyards and must-visit destinations across the globe.
Spring always seems slow to start but summer approaches quickly bringing sunshine, outdoor dining and holidays aplenty.
Luckily, the summer season seems to be extending longer each year, giving us more time to soak up late sunsets and beachside bonfires sipping new releases and lauded vintages in some of the most stunning settings.
From Krug-fuelled pop-up dinner parties around the US to a brand-new Möet Hennessy four-floor cocktail experience in Paris, we’ve pulled together a list of haute happenings in the wine world sure to make this summer one of the best yet.
SIP CHÂTEAU D’ESCLANS ROSÉ AT WINEMAKER DINNERS AND BEACHSIDE BONFIRES IN THE HAMPTONS
Executive chef Christopher Watts will craft five, farm-fresh, seasonally-driven courses designed to pair with the iconic rosés, and the evening will end in true South of France style with a beachside bonfire. Upcoming dinners will take place July 21 and Sept. 1; $275 per person (tickets here).
Rosé is an all year round wine, but everyone knows that rosés become more irresistible in summer. So, glasses at the ready for this year’s seasonal round-up of new wines and new vintages.
To repeat a few things I said last year: rosés aren’t only for the aperitif or poolside slots. They often make very good food wines, not least with the sort of dishes you might be having in warm weather – grilled and barbecued fish, seafood, charcuterie, salads, vegetable tarts, chicken dishes, pasta and picnic fare.
All wines need to be kept out of sunlight to avoid spoilage by light strike (does what it says on the tin) but rosés are often more vulnerable, above all when they’re in clear glass bottles. Ideally, we’d have dark, opaque wine glasses, but that’s a step too far.
Pink wines should be served chilled and then kept cold while you make further inroads into the bottle, box or pouch. Wine cooler sleeves kept in the freezer or ice box are invaluable for bottles. Chilling your glass by swirling a couple of ice cubes round it before you start is another good move when the sun is beating down. If your wine does end up too warm, you can always resort to an ice cube lobbed into the liquid itself.
This year I’m kicking off my recommendations with three wines in sustainable packaging. These are all the more relevant and praiseworthy in the context of rosé when so many, especially from Provence, come in absurdly heavy glass bottles.
I’ve given empty bottle weights at the end of each tasting note when I have them – and I can tell you there are some shockers. I’m sorry to say that three of my top-scoring wines are the worst offenders by a long way. If Chanel (yes, that Chanel) can put its Domaine de L’Ile rosé, my other top scoring wine, in a bottle weighing only 409g, others could too. When will they wake up to the harm they’re doing?
After the sustainably packaged trio, the order is in ascending order of price. Two Tavel rosés I really wanted to recommend, Domaine Maby La Forcadière (Yapp Brothers) and Arbousset rosé (Tesco), have fallen by the wayside because they have moved on to 2022 from the 2021 vintage I tasted. I’m sure the new vintages will be worth a try. There’s also a lack of English rosés (my fault).
A score of 93 is equivalent to a gold medal; 89–92 is silver; 85–88 is bronze.
Whispering Angel 2022, Côtes de Provence, France
This was very tight-lipped when I tasted it at the beginning of the year, but has now relaxed into flowing, floral, red fruit and vanilla-patisserie aromas and apricot and red apple on the palate. Lemon, elegantly bitter grapefruit rind and salinity provide and structure and freshness. Another impressive, appealing Whispering Angel. 13%. 596g.
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Widely available at £15.95–£19.99. Half bottles and magnums available from Majestic and Waitrose
Château d’Esclans 2021, Côtes de Provence, France
Scented summer-garden nose with an inviting hint of juniper berry. Rich, pure fruit on the palate with discreet, toasted vanilla and oak, a silky texture and fine acidity. Elegantly shaped and well-balanced. Primarily Grenache and Rolle (Vermentino) vinified in a combination of 600-litre oak barrels and stainless steel. 13.5%. 978g – ouch!
Château d’Esclans Les Clans 2021, Côtes de Provence, France
Mainly free-run juice from 50-plus year old Grenache, Rolle (Vermentino) and Syrah, fermented and aged for 10 months, with bâtonnage, in 600-litre oak barrels (one and two year old). The oak is still quite pronounced on both nose and palate, but not so that it overwhelms the floral, apricot and raspberry fruit, the creamy, close-textured richness, citrus sweetness and core of acidity. It will be better in a year, but is already a serious fine wine when given time to breathe in the glass. A good match for lobster and rich seafood dishes, vitello tonnato and pork ragù with capers. 14%. 975g –ouch again!
Château d’Esclans Garrus 2021, Côtes de Provence, France
I tasted this at 8ºC and 12ºC and then drank it at 12º+C. By all means serve it cooler if you like, but the higher temperature allows this young, tightly wound, oak-fermented and matured rosé to uncoil and express itself. And you’ll want to let it do that because it’s an exceptional wine: reminiscent of white Burgundy in its hazelnut and mineral aromas, buttery taste and silky texture, but with added orange pomander, exotic spice and incense. It’s intense, complex, powerful and balanced with an impeccable interplay of fruit, acidity and oak. Designed to go with food – lobster, salmon, pork, veal, lamb chops, savoury dishes in cream sauce and so on. Drink from now to 2033, if stored in cellar conditions. 14.5%. 979g – and ouch yet again!
A friend of ours brought this attractive bottle with a very jolly roaring twenties label and we were excited to sample the contents. The name Sacha Lichine may be familiar to you if you are a wine enthusiast. I feel he knows how to make a memorable rosé that is worthy of respect.
This rosé was fascinating to sample. My sensory experience was misled at first because when I first breathed in the scent I thought this was going to be fresher and sharper than I had hoped. But as soon as the flavours landed on my tongue the fruit was delivered, and for me a very enjoyable mix of flavours. I am so grateful when I detect some citrus in a wine, and the pink grapefruit reassured me that this was my kind of wine. But there was plenty to delight a sweet tooth – notably peach. But Robert suggested there was a cherry blossom aroma in his glass and he was picking up a teasing but delicate combination of both fruity and floral notes.
We both noted how creamy a finish this rosé has, making it such a pleasure to drink. It is not syrupy, it is not caustic. There is so much grace in this pretty rosé and I will without doubt be recommending it to friends. I feel as if this rosé has somehow managed to elegantly blend freshness, fruitiness, floral fragrance and creaminess – which surely is no easy task. Both of us were exceedingly delighted with The Pale Rosé.
Whispering Angel, the Côtes-de-Provence French rosé wine, invites you to toast the arrival of summer at Tigerlily, Edinburgh with a takeover that delivers serious World of Whisper wows.
Whispering Angel, the Côtes-de-Provence French rosé wine responsible for igniting the Rosé Renaissance worldwide, invites you to toast the arrival of summer at Tigerlily, Edinburgh with a takeover that delivers serious World of Whisper wows.
Synonymous with the most captivating alfresco destinations across the globe, the wildly popular rosé wine has launched its Whispering Angel summer takeover, located in the heart of the capital’s stylish George Street, and in place until the end of August.
Created by Chateau d’Esclans, a magical property and one of the grandest Chateaus in all of Provence, Whispering Angel is inviting rosé lovers to experience the Tigerlily takeover. These experiences include a hot-ticket five-course Chateau d’Esclans Pairing Dinner on Thursday the 3rd of August hosted by Kelly Stevenson – Chateau d’Esclans Brand Ambassador, priced at £75.
For the first time in Scotland, Whispering Angel fans have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious Chateau d’Esclans wine flight at Tigerlily for £25 featuring three 125ml rosés from the renowned vineyard:
• The Pale by Whispering Angel (expressive with great aromatic freshness and a fruit forward palate). • Whispering Angel (fresh red berry fruit characteristics with a floral nose, a dry and smooth wine). • Rock Angel (a more complex and structured taste profile than Whispering Angel, giving rosé lovers a bigger and richer wine. Floral and spicy notes with a creamy, rich finish).
Oozing a glamorous, playful spirit reminiscent of Saint-Tropez, the Whispering Angel takeover sees Tigerlily’s outdoor terrace on George Street transformed into a picture-perfect summer scene. Set within a white picket fence and accessed through arches dressed with wild, natural roses, the terrace is dressed with trailing ivy, fresh hydrangeas and oh-so-Provence lavender. Day into night, the Whispering Angel terrace at Tigerlily will be Edinburgh’s hottest destination this summer…and an incomparable spot for people watching in the sunshine.
Elsewhere, a burst of beautiful pink floral and lush greenery greets guests as they ascend the steps into Tigerlily, with the entrance transformed into the world of Whispering Angel. Taking centre stage inside the entrance is a Whispering Angel swing seat, with luxe velvet cushions and silky tassels; a playful spot for a spontaneous selfie opportunity.
Bringing the outdoors in further, the Whispering Angel takeover sees Tigerlily’s green room dramatically reimagined into a summer rose garden, with rose bushes flowing wilding across oversized curved mirrors, greenery and stems dramatically suspended and draped, and shimmering lights offsetting the installation to stunning effect.
To celebrate the launch of the takeover, Tigerlily is offering two further decadent experiences in addition to the Chateau d’Esclans wine flight and the Whispering Angel dinner. They are:
Whispering Angel Afternoon Tea with a 175ml glass of Whispering Angel, at £30.95 per person and Whispering Angel Brunch with a half bottle of Whispering Angel at £49.95 per person.
The world of whisper awaits at Tigerlily. Join us.
