Do you know the exclusive wine and champagne menu at 1970 Yacht Club in Puerto Banús?
By marinas
Discover a high-level oenological selection unique to the new fashionable destination where luxury perfectly complements the Marbella marina
Located at the prestigious Muelle de Honor next to the Puerto Banús Control Tower, the most exclusive new hotspot in Marbella’s recreational marina is the 1970 Yacht Club. It offers its members and visitors a unique selection of wines and champagnes that reflect the sophistication and luxury characterizing this internationally renowned nautical and tourist destination. The club’s wine list is designed to satisfy the most refined tastes, combining world-renowned labels with high-quality options in every category of this oenological menu that will leave no one indifferent.
The rosé wine list features refined options from the best regions of France. Whispering Angel (is a) notable selection that capture(s) the essence of Provence being ideal for those seeking a refreshing and sophisticated experience.
It was London in August: Chateau D’Esclans
Rosé wines are fantastic for sipping poolside, pairing with food, and enjoying year-round. Discover the best rosé wines for any budget here.
By Kristen Shirley
Girl in Style Illustration feat. Whispering Angel
As she sat watching a singular airplane float through the blue sky overhead, she envisaged the peaceful warmth of South of France. She could smell the floral headiness, eyes closed; hear the sound of someone splashing in the piscine and somewhere in the background, the comforting hum of crickets.
The sun shone so brightly in London on this August day that as long as she lifted her head slightly and kept her eyes closed, she almost believed she was in Provence.
Opening her eyes, the reality of being in her city garden whilst the floods of paperwork completed over the day surrounding the complexities of her family’s estate lay before her, it slightly reimagined. It was a beautiful day – and she allowed herself finally the possibility of dreaming that next year, with all of this complete, she’d feel the warm Provencal grass in between her bare toes reminiscent of Summers as a child. For now, small treats whilst living alone; cooking (today a gently spiced seabass with a daring orange glaze), lifting her face to the sun when it appeared, good music harmonised with sips of her favourite Summer wine would more than fill her with gratitude.
As she poured a crisp glass of Whispering Angel, took a bite of her creation and a sip of the rose; her taste buds alight with dry orange and an after-burst of berries, she could have been anywhere at all – but she knew her heart was home.
Whispering Angel, though so apt a name for its profile, never really whispered. In fact, it arrived on the scene with such a graceful yet unapologetic entrance that it may as well have been surrounded by its own entourage. It was of sorts; on the menus of every major hot spot. Personally, I first tried it in 2017 on the roof terrace at Harvey Nichols in London which I used to frequent quite often before it became overtly touristy.
It must be said that up till only a few years ago, I was never really a rose girl (I mean I love all sorts of wines but rose would never be my first choice). In fact, years ago the closest I’d come to regularly ordering rose on a beach day would be a rather more shocking Rioja Rosado or similar at Marbella Club. Fruity, summery but mostly such a divine red colour; at some point I think I was rather obsessed with it. Which is surprising because I only really ever drink champagne (to be fair, I was only 22 at the time). But the allure of a typical provencal dry rose so beloved by the summer set has somewhat alluded me until more recently.
Indeed, without exaggeration, it wasn’t really until Whispering Angel came along that I actually got excited about ordering rose over a lunch for example. Sitting with my best friend visiting from New York and joined by another friend of hers from Chicago, we were united that sunny afternoon in London at what used to be my favourite store restaurant over none other than Whispering Angel. The uniqueness of this fact is that it served such very different taste buds. K wanted something sort of complex with quite a lot of fruitiness, S wanted something super dry and I of course was somewhere in-between (obviously). Alas, by the time I fell for the creation of this daring vineyard, it had become so trendy I daren’t admit it to anyone for fear of being one of those people that follows the crowds…but in this case, the crowds were extremely cool for a change. It was a bit like when Taittinger became a little more commercial and I couldn’t help but be extremely pleased about it because it just meant they served my favourite champagne almost everywhere.
It was a delight to attend a tasting recently with Chateau D’Esclans where Kelly Stevenson, the brand ambassador, told the story (wearing a fabulous pink blazer, it must be said) of the vineyard – graduating us spectators from the most beloved Whispering Angel to Rock Angel to the houses’ own name offering ‘Chateau D’Esclans’. The latter, until Covid, was only available on the Wine Lists of some pretty major restaurants. During lockdown, fans of the wine were so disheartened that it wasn’t available to purchase freely that Chateau D’Esclans decided to offer it to select merchants for public consumption.
There was only one rose wine that for me could compete with Whispering Angel in being consistently sophisticated yet easy going and extremely accessible to many taste palettes. I won’t mention it here because I don’t want to dilute but sufficed to say, it has since been discontinued so for me, Whispering Angel takes the crown. This is all about Chateau D’Esclans and rightly so.
With a history dating back to before the twelfth century, it is only recently that it became known for some of the best rose wine in existence. And of course this is a grace de Sacha Lichine who purchased it in 2006 and recognised that there was opportune to raise the profile of rose to rival some of the best wines in the world. He has of course done just that.
While I will admit that Whispering Angel’s big sister, Rock Angel is a bit too melon-centric for my tastes, I enjoyed all of the other offerings we tried. But for me, Whispering Angel is so perfectly balanced with a gentle complexity and lots of fun notes too that there’s very little that can compete for a consistently perfect choice for our rose-moments.
Sante!
Rosé wine trend hits Cyprus: Local demand and imports soar
The heart of Rosé wine production and global consumption
By Anna Polyviou
Light and delicate, with aromas of flowers and fruits, these are just a few ways to describe Rosé Provence wines, which have recently become a global trend.
Cyprus has also embraced the trend, with suppliers importing Rosé wines from Provence and local producers making their own versions.
The Photos Photiades Group imports Rosé wines from Provence into Cyprus, with Whispering Angel being among the most popular. This Rosé, from Chateau d’Esclans, is known for its distinctive aromas of fruits and flowers. In the United States, Whispering Angel is the best-selling French wine. According to Mr. Minas Minas of Photos Photiades Group, there is indeed a growing trend in Rosé wines, with sales continuing to rise.
The Rosé wine market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the expansion of winemaking and retail. Although Rosé originated in Europe, it has become widely popular across the globe. The increasing number of new Rosé wines and the expansion of existing ones into new markets are contributing to the growth of the winemaking industry, which is expected to see a rise in global production.
According to Zion Market Research, the global market for Rosé wine is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 5.50% from 2024 to 2032.
During the summer, Rosé wine consumption increases significantly. According to Majestic, the UK’s largest wine retailer, when temperatures reach or exceed 26°C, Rosé sales surpass those of red and white wines.
In the summer of 2022, the company sold one bottle every 12 seconds, reinforcing Rosé’s status as the ultimate summer wine.
The heart of Rosé
Provence, a region in southeastern France, is often considered the heart of Rosé wines, with a climate ideal for grape cultivation. France produces 35% of the world’s Rosé, making it the leading global producer and top consumer, with one-third of all Rosé wine consumed domestically. Following France, H.P.P. accounts for 20% of global consumption. The global popularity of Provence Rosé has led to a remarkable 500% increase in exports over the past 15 years.
Travel and tourism have played a significant role in the worldwide spread of Provence Rosé, as France remains one of the top tourist destinations. Social media, along with major festivals and glamorous events like the Cannes Film Festival, have further elevated the status of Provence Rosé, making it synonymous with elegance and refinement. Another key factor in its popularity is its versatility—Provence Rosé pairs well with a wide range of cuisines and dishes.
As it stands, more producers and suppliers, both in Cyprus and abroad, are entering the winemaking market, with the variety of products continually expanding.
[This article was translated from its Greek original]
Hrastnik1860 uses hydrogen to produce carbon neutral glass bottles
By Jess Mills
The Hrastnik1860 produced carbon neutral bottles contain Chateau d’Esclans’ 2023 Vintage Garrus wine. [Image: Chateau d’Esclans]
Hrastnik1860 has produced 100% carbon neutral glass bottles for French wine producer Château d’Esclans using hydrogen combustion.
With over 60% hydrogen fuel content used for glass melting, the direct carbon footprint of the melting process is reduced by more than 30% compared to standard procedures.
Hrastnik first revealed it had successfully produced premium glass bottles using hydrogen as a prime energy source last year.
Garrus: The Story Behind the World’s Best Rosé
For years, rosé wines have been the hottest category globally
Very few rosé wines dare to place themselves in the Pantheon of the world’s legendary wines. Among them, the Garrus from the renowned Chateau d’Esclans, produced by Sacha Lichine, stands out as a unique case.
When the Russian-born son of Alexis Lichine abandoned the Bordeaux “certainty” of the family wine business—selling the Cru Classe Chateau Prieure Lichine, no less—to bet everything on a decaying estate in Provence in 2005, any business consultant would have advised against it. At that time, Chateau d’Esclans consisted of a dilapidated winery and a 65-hectare vineyard, most of whose grapes were sold cheaply to neighboring wineries.
However, the visionary winemaker saw something others had missed: the nearly century-old vines at the highest point of the estate, known as Garrus in Latin. Don’t be surprised by this, as Chateau d’Esclans is a property with a history that dates back centuries, with its tower—only the cellar of which remains today—dating back to the 12th century.
In just a few years, Sacha Lichine and his winemaker, Patrick Leon, formerly of the prestigious Chateau Mouton Rothschild, managed to “resurrect” the estate in the village of Var, change the history of rosé with Whispering Angel, make Provence the ultimate place for this wine style, and create the first mythical rosé label. With some exaggeration, one might say that while in the rest of the world, what isn’t good enough for red wine becomes rosé, in Provence, what isn’t good enough for rosé becomes red! Of course, in this case, such a statement wouldn’t apply, as Esclans only produces rosé, but it highlights the significance of rosé in this cosmopolitan area of France.
In the case of Garrus, however, things go several steps further. It’s not just the blessed terroir of the small 4-hectare plot where it originates or the old vines that yield minuscule harvests, comparable to the greatest reds, that make the difference. It’s also the high proportion (20-25%) of the local white Rolle grape alongside the unique Grenache Rouge, the triple selection process the raw material undergoes, and the exclusive fermentation in 600-liter barrels, where the wine remains for almost a year.
For the winemakers, temperature is crucial in producing a top rosé, so they have ensured its regulation while the wine is in the barrel. We might not fully understand the impact on quality, but we can certainly grasp the financial impact, as the installation, according to the producer, cost 1 million euros. Fortunately, the winery has other opportunities to recoup its investment, as the 100% new barrels in which Garrus ages number only ten.
Wine lovers around the world have few chances to bring Garrus to their glasses, but the lucky few who manage to do so will forget everything they know about rosé wines. Garrus’ show starts with a bright color reminiscent of onion skin and an exceptionally complex and intensely concentrated aroma that evokes memories of potpourri, honeysuckle, peach, incense, and angelica flowers. Even more shocking, however, is the experience on the palate, where each sip feels like a serving of meat.
It’s not just the body and strength of Garrus that make it so special but also its creamy roundness, akin to that of heavy cream. The cherry on top is that all of this comes with incredible elegance, sophisticated minerality, and a tremendous finish. This profile makes Garrus less suitable as a poolside rosé or for St. Tropez decks—though it often ends up there—but rather a fine wine choice for any serious table or high-end wine event.
Hardly anyone associates rosé wine with aging, but this exceptional creation has proven it has all the qualities to age for at least 3-5 years. It might not often appear at auctions, but with a price of over 150 euros, Garrus makes many great white or red wines envious.
The top cuvée of Chateau d’Esclans laid the foundation for the ultra-premium category in Cote de Provence, a category that now includes other members with similar or even higher prices. But Garrus remains the ultimate benchmark wine, setting the standard for any rosé aspiring to be called great.
The price of a bottle in Greece ranges between 160-170 euros.
French Heritage Society’s Summer Soiree
Photos by Jared Siskin and John Sanderson
On Friday, July 19th, 2024, French Heritage Society (FHS) hosted their annual Summer Soirée at the home of Maria and Kenneth Fishel in Bridgehampton, NY. The festive evening took the form of a cocktail party around the pool at the beautiful Fishel residence with generous support by Diptyque, rosé wine from Whispering Angel, and art on the table by Christofle. Hank Stampfl with Revel Rouge curated the event.
“Lost in Shanghai’ Brunch at Hakkasan Hanway Place with Rock Angel…”
…each guest will be served a bottle of Rock Angel rose, from the celebrated Château d’Esclans winery in Provence (best known for Whispering Angel). Rock Angel’s complex and structured profile is a sophisticated offering with a Sancerre-like minerality, which is particularly well suited to the sweet and savoury notes of the modern Cantonese cuisine at Hakkasan. Guests will be immersed in a dynamic fusion of beats from various guest DJs at each event alongside live theatrical performances creating a vibrant atmosphere evoking the buzz of the Chinese capital. The dark and mysterious interiors that Hakkasan is renowned for will provide the ultimate cinematic backdrop for this gastronomic and sensory treat.
Premium rosé wines: Refined styles to try
Top quality rosé wines – still and sparkling – are on the rise, as Decanter World Wine Awards results attest. Discover the standout rosés to try this summer and beyond.
Among the big stories to emerge from the results of the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) was the rise of rosé. Wine drinkers are ‘drinking pink’, encouraged by the marketing clout and celebrity stardust of plush-pocketed rosé producers – and an uptick in quality.
‘It won’t surprise readers to know that our rosé wine entries grow with every year that passes (we judged almost 800 dry and medium-dry still pink wines this year),’ the DWWA judging panel commented.
There is more rosé around and it’s of better quality; the term ‘premium’ is now an apt descriptor for top-class rosé, not just red, white and sparkling wines.
This year two rosé wines – one still, one sparkling – were awarded Best in Show. There were just 50 wines out of the 18,143 evaluated to receive this plaudit in 2024, accounting for just 0.28% of the total wines tasted.
DWWA 2024: Top-scoring rosé wines to try
Château d’Esclans, Les Clans, Côtes de Provence, France 2022
97 Best in Show Delicate peach-pink in colour, with a haunting aromatic profile that mixes cream, white almond, peach and gardenia notes with pastel finesse. On the palate, it is deeper than many of its peers to the point where you could almost say ‘concentrated’, and perhaps shows brighter acidity than some of our previous winners. That cream, though, naps and envelops all, and the white almond depth fuses admirably with the wine’s vinosity to provide the dominant structural frame, rather than relying on acidity. Is there even a hint of green olive? Maybe; maybe not; it’s Provence rosé, after all. Hints and whispers are all. Alc 14%
SECRETS DE CAVE: LES ROSÉS DE L’ÉTÉ
Par Dominique Homs
Anne ma soeur Anne, ne vois-tu rien venir…et bien non toujours pas l’été ! En se disant qu’avec les premiers jours des vacances il finira bien par arriver et que les repas au jardin reviendront enfin, voici comme chaque année quelques sélections de vins rosés, blancs, et effervescents …pour donner du pep’s à vos tables estivales .
AOP Côtes de Provence rosé 2023 Wispering Angel Château d’Esclans grenache, syrah, cinsault et rolle . Incontestablement un des rosés les plus célèbre de Provence . Un joli fruité une finale douce et élégante. A boire avec un tartare de thon rouge de Méditerranée ou une volaille fermière aux herbes. Prix: 19,90€ chez les meilleurs cavistes et sur le site https://www.esclans.com/fr/
Au Soleil: A Summer Soirée By Le Méridien
By Grace Sarkisian
Chase endless summers in the city or by the beach, from lazy rosé-filled afternoons in your favorite garden to backgammon on a mid-century terrace, or a stroll at golden hour with a sweet treat in hand. Savor the good life with Le Méridien, where the sun never sets on the jet set, from New York to Nice, Montreal to Munich, Dubai to Delhi, Shanghai to San Francisco, and beyond.
Moments to Sip n’ Savor Allow yourself to indulge in lazy, rosé-filled afternoons, perfectly complemented by Le Scoop by Le Méridien. This exclusive gelato and sorbet treat brings the flavors of a European summer to life. Inspired by Whispering Angel rosé, the rosé sorbet debuts this month at over 30 Le Méridien properties worldwide. From urban retreats like Le Méridien Salt Lake City Downtown and Le Méridien Melbourne to coastal getaways like Le Méridien Barcelona and Le Méridien Lav, Split, this treat is available at many stunning locations.
The Rosé Sorbet Experience Le Méridien has partnered with social media’s favorite chef and tastemaker, Meredith Hayden, to create a rosé-infused sorbet that captures the essence of summer. Inspired by a journey to the Whispering Angel vineyards in Provence and the flavors of the Mediterranean coast, this sorbet is a delightful blend of strawberries and rosé, best enjoyed in the sun, especially at golden hour. The sorbet is served in a custom-designed Sorbet Sidecar, a glass cone that holds the sorbet scoop and sits atop a stemless wine glass filled with rosé. Presented on a sunshine-colored tray with an Au Soleil wooden cradle, this scoop-and-sip combo embodies the luxurious and leisurely spirit of Le Méridien.
