The chicest al fresco dining spots in London to book now
From lavender-trimmed terraces with river views to hidden sun-trap courtyards, we’ve rounded up some of London’s best outdoor spots to secure a place at
One of the few new restaurants to launch in lockdown in 2020, Hugh Stanley’s eponymous venture was the eatery du jour for Chelsea’s smart set, with the likes of the Sangsters, d’Abos and Blandfords clinking glasses of Whispering Angel in its striped upholstered booths all summer long. With a brilliantly British menu by Masterchef: The Professionals alumna Olivia Burt (you must try the sourdough crumpets with shrimp and potted crab) it’s the perfect place to dip your toe back onto the social scene come April.
Grenache shines on its own and plays an important role in some of the greatest blends in the world.
other wine professionals tend to have great respect for it, but among consumers, it is far too often overshadowed by more famous red varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. That shouldn’t be the case: Not only are varietally labeled bottlings of Grenache capable of fantastic complexity in places like California’s Central Coast and Spain’s Campo de Borja and Cariñena regions, but its role in the legendary blends of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Rioja cannot be overstated. To make the most of Grenache, and to understand its contributions around the world, check out our guide to Grenache below.
What Is Grenache Wine?
Grenache wine is produced in many countries and in a range of styles. Its most well-known versions are red, but Grenache also plays an important role in rosés, too. In most of the world it is referred to as Grenache or, less frequently, Grenache Noir, but in Spain and other Spanish-speaking wine-producing countries, it’s known as Garnacha. No matter what it’s called, Grenache / Garnacha is the source of excellent red and rosé wine, whether bottled on its own or blended with other grape varieties. Grenache Blanc, or Garnacha Blanca, is the white version of the grape variety, and important in the white wines of Priorat in Spain and the Rhône Valley (and crucial in the Southern Rhône Valley) in France.
Where Does Grenache Wine Come From?
Grenache is most famously employed in France and Spain. In France, it is one of the key grape varieties in the Rhône Valley, and it’s one of the 13 permitted grape varieties in the Southern Rhône’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape, often playing a key role. It also is frequently found in Côtes du Rhône red blends, lending them vivid cherry and scrubby dried herb notes. Not far from the Rhône Valley, in Provence, Grenache is a key component in the region’s renowned rosé wines, too. In Spain, Garnacha can be widely found in places like Campo de Borja and Cariñena (the region, not the grape of the same name) and as key components in the famous red blends of Rioja (where it joins Tempranillo) and Priorat, where it is often blended with Cariñena (the grape variety also known as Carignan), Cabernet Sauvignon, and more. In California, it does notably well in the Central Coast — producers like Bonny Doon and Sine Qua Non are deeply tied to Grenache – and in Australia it has found a happy home in McLaren Vale. In Sardinia, where it’s called Cannonau, it produces excellent reds, too. The sweet wines of Maury and Banyuls in France’s Roussillon are dominated by Grenache. And given its ability to thrive in warmer climates, it is also no surprise that Israeli producers are finding success with it, too.
Why Should You Drink Grenache Wine?
Wines produced from Grenache have the potential to appeal to a broad range of wine lovers. The Newfound Grenache from Shake Ridge Vineyard in the Sierra Foothills of California, for example, is bright, energetic, and bursts with mouthwatering red berry fruit, whereas the Herman Story “On the Road” Grenache is a far more powerful and decadent expression. Both are excellent, accurate representations of the wide spectrum of aromas, flavors, and textures that Grenache is capable of.
Grenache is also wonderfully food-friendly. With its typical underpinning of spices and scrubby herbs, it works well alongside grilled meats, serves as an admirable partner for fruit-based sauces, and even sings with pizza. Australian GSM blends (Grenache / Syrah / Mourvedre) are classics with barbecue. On top of that, Grenache is an excellent lens through which to experience the character of the place it was grown. Harvesting Grenache from the famously rock-strewn vineyards of parts of Châteauneuf-du-Pape results in a totally different expression of the variety than when it’s picked from the schist-based land of Spain’s Priorat region. And in a world of generally increasing temperatures, Grenache is proving to be a very good option to handle these often challenging conditions.
What Does Grenache Taste Like?
Grenache tends to be built on a base of vivid cherry and berry fruit. In warmer vintages, those fruit notes can be quite ripe and powerful; it’s not uncommon to see Grenache-based wines with relatively high alcohol levels and often hints of licorice. Grenache also boasts spice notes that work well when blended with Syrah or Tempranillo, as well as dried or scrubby herb characteristics. Red Grenache is best enjoyed at slightly cooler than room temperature; a 20-minute stint in the refrigerator (assuming it’s not being pulled directly from a 55-degree wine cellar) will allow the fruit and spice to really shine.
Five Great Grenache Wines
There are countless great Grenache wines on the market today. These five producers, listed alphabetically, are the perfect place to start.
Château d’Esclans “Whispering Angel” Rosé
This classic rosé incorporates Grenache into the blend, and it has become one of the most reliably popular bottlings from Provence on the American market.
From lavender-trimmed terraces with river views to hidden sun-trap courtyards, we’ve rounded up some of London’s best outdoor spots to secure a place at
Costumed Parisians celebrate Bastille Day. (Photo by Genevieve Naylor/Corbis via Getty Images) CORBIS VIA GETTY IMAGES
Officially known as Fête Nationale Française or French National Day, but more commonly called Bastille Day, July 14 is the anniversary of the 1789 Storming of the Bastille, a major act of the French Revolution. It was an early first victory of the people of Paris against a symbol of the Ancien Régime (“old regime”). Whether you’re French or French in spirit, you can help celebrate France’s freedom with these rosés from the homeland.
Salute! Rosés for the win on Bastille Day.
Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel, 2021, Cotes de Provence. Lots of tangerine and citric zest on this fresh quaff from a stalwart producer. Hints of freshly picked wild baby strawberries interwoven with a savory edge. The more casual “Beach” label from this producer leads with a savory nose into tart cranberry and raspberry. Bright, zesty and well made with everything in place for a happy summer sip.
The Pale, το καινούριο ροζέ κρασί από το Chateau d’Esclans
O όμιλος εταιριών Φώτος Φωτιάδης λανσάρει στην Κυπριακή αγορά το καινούριο ροζέ κρασί του Chateau d’Esclans, The Pale, που έρχεται για να προστεθεί στην υπόλοιπη γκάμα των περιζήτητων κρασιών του Chateau d’Esclans (Whispering Angel, Rock Angel & Garrus).
Ο δημιουργός του, ο ταλαντούχος οινοποιός Sacha Lichine, το θεωρεί ένα ροζέ για τη «νέα γενιά». Ευκολόπιοτο, με το χαρακτηριστικό ροζ-γκρι χρώμα των ροζέ της Προβηγκίας και χαρακτήρα που συνδυάζει αρωματική ένταση με γευστική φρεσκάδα και καθαρό τελείωμα. Με βιδωτό καπάκι και με «ινσταγκραμική» ετικέτα, επαναπροσδιορίζει για άλλη μια φορά την κατηγορία του ροζέ κρασιού, δημιουργώντας κάτι εντελώς νέο και επιβλητικό.
Το The Pale προέρχεται από την περιοχή Var της Προβηγκίας και είναι ειδικά φτιαγμένο για τον λάτρη του ροζέ κρασιού με το υψηλό επίπεδο ποιότητας των ροζέ της Προβηγκίας. Το όνομά του, προέρχεται από το διαφανές, ροζ χρώμα του. Προσδίδει ακόμα τον τρόπο που οι Άγγλοι παρήγγειλαν ιστορικά το ροζέ κρασί από τους έμπορους, αναφερόμενοι στο χλωμό χρώμα του, κάτι που συνεχίζει να χρησιμοποιείται μέχρι σήμερα στο Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο.
Το The Pale φτιάχνεται από σταφύλια των καλύτερων αμπελώνων που μεγαλώνουν παράλληλα με την ακτή της Μεσογείου. Επιπλέον, το κρασί αυτό προσδίδει έναν καθαρό θαλασσινό αέρα της Γαλλικής Ριβιέρας με τις κύριες ποικιλίες σταφυλιού να είναι Grenache, Cinsault και Syrah.
Χαρακτηριστικά:
Άρωμα: εκφραστικό κρασί εσωτερικά και εξωτερικά, φέρει μεγάλη αρωματική φρεσκάδα στη μύτη
Παλέτα: Λεπτές, φρουτώδες νότες από ροδάκινο και ροζ γκρέιπφρουτ
Ιδανικό food pairing: Με τυριά, κράκερ, καλοκαιρινές σαλάτες, φαγητά barbeque Το The Pale διατίθεται σε φιάλη 75cl. Είναι ακόμη διαθέσιμο σε εστιατόρια και bar για να το απολαύσετε είτε by the glass ή σε φιάλη με καλό φαγητό. Θα το βρείτε επίσης και σε μεγάλα supermarkets για να το απολαύσετε στο σπίτι με φίλους.
Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες, μπορείτε να επισκεφτείτε την ιστοσελίδα www.esclans.com
Whispering Angel Opens Terrace at Yauatcha City for dim sum pairing
By Libby Zietsman-Brodie
You would have to have been living under a rock not to have heard of Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel and its premium big sister Rock Angel. These rosés have gripped the summer drinking crowd the last couple of years and now they are launching pop-up terraces around the capital for the sunnier months. At Yauatcha City, where the Whispering Angel pop-up resides until 27 September, it was decorated in pink flowers and abuzz with City-types unbuttoning collars.
The evening began with an Angel Spritz, a refreshing fruity blend of the aforementioned wine, Aperol Spritz, apricot liquor and tonic to cool you down.
Whispering Angel is a blend of juicy Grenache, floral Cinsault and Rolle and it is bone dry, meaning it can pair freshly with rich dishes yet not dominate more delicate flavours. Yauatcha, experts in the art of dim sum, have devised a special pairing menu for the terrace and the rosé slipped down a treat with the fragrant, delicate lobster dumpling lightly spiced with ginger and topped with Tobiko caviar.
For those in the mood for something meatier, the soft-shell crab bao is supremely satisfying and the Iberico pork truffle siew long bao is a triumph so good we had to order more.
I could have happily nibbled away for hours as the sun set but was advised not to miss the dessert, a shiny cerise globe of rhubarb compote, gin jelly and juniper mousse. But it was the Sakura and raspberry macaron that won my heart in the end – a skilfully crisp bite of daintily perfumed flavours.
You can pause for a glass, carafe, bottle, magnum or – for those who are going large – even a jeroboam (£256) of this popular rosé.
Other terraces serving the wine include Searcy’s at the Gherkin, Stoke House Terrace in Victoria and Wright Brothers Jetty in Battersea.
At long last, summer is here and rosé season is officially upon us – long may it continue.
We hope that this summer will be the most glamorous one yet so the Chateau d’Esclans team has been hard at work to bring a touch of rosé magic to some of the most beautiful locations in the world. From yachts in Monaco, to polo fields in England, to beaches in Miami to rooftops in Paris, our rosés will be found at exclusive events and global hot spots this season.
As the summer stretches out ahead of us, we are only just getting started and we hope that you’ll join us… and embark on your own rosé journey.
Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic, The Hurlingham Club, London UK
Henley Royal Regatta, UK
Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland
Chateau Carbide, Chicago, US
Bastille Day Celebration and concert in the park, Central Park NYC, US
Whispering Angel Beach Terrace at Hotel Maestral, Montenegro
British Grand Prix, Silverstone UK
Sand Polo, Sandbanks UK
British Open Golf, St Andrews Scotland
The Summer Garden at Le Jardinier, Miami, US
Bouloud Sur Mer, NYC, DC & Palm Beach, US
French Grand Prix, Le Castellet France
Qatar Goodwood, UK
Monaco Yacht Show, Monaco
Les Voiles de Saint Tropez, France
Art Basel – Switzerland
Rosé on Rodeo at Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Los Angeles, US
The Culinary Garden at the Inn at Hastings Park, Boston, US
How Rosé Wine Has Given Itself a Rebrand in Recent Years
By PrestigeOnline Thaïland
Once stereotype as a wine associated with bad taste, rosé wine is moving upmarket. Here’s a closer look into the movement.
One out of every ten bottles consumed in the world is a rosé, according to the latest World Rosé Observatory published in 2021. Once stereotyped as a wine associated with bad taste, rosé has moved upmarket to become a third type of wine in its own right, and one that is not only suitable for aperitif time. Serious efforts on the elaboration of various rosé wines as well as on the image of rosé continue to be made, in order to meet consumer expectations and elevate the product.
The Stars Who Bought a Chateau
Over the last few days, the world of wine has been buzzing about rock star legend Jon Bon Jovi’s arrival in France. The “It’s My Life” singer wasn’t in town for a concert but for one of his other passions in life: wine. The event marked the official retail launch of his wine. And his wine is none other than a rosé that the singer has concocted with top winemaker Gérard Bertrand (who also is familiar with the world of music, as he’s been organising an international jazz festival at one of his domains — Château l’Hospitalet — since 2004). In association with the singer’s son, Jesse Bon Jovi, the men developed this blend of grenache, cinsault and mourvèdre that Americans have had a chance to drink since 2018. Wine Spectator, the US magazine of reference in the matter, is full of praise for this rosé, giving it a score of 90 out of 100. The name on the label is Hampton Water, in reference to this region northeast of Long Island in the state of New York, which is the refuge of stars and big money.
Francis Ford Coppola, Jay Z, Carole Bouquet… Stars who buy a chateau, or even participate in the elaboration of wines of high quality (Bouquet’s Sicilian wine produced on the island of Pantelleria is a perfect example), are nothing new in the sector. But these days, celebrities are interested in just one colour of wine, and not just any colour: the one with the most negative associations in the past. Despite the many innovations in the matter and the elevation of the range, rosé is having serious difficulties shedding its image as a low-end wine without depth or complexity. However, there is a common thread between all the celebrity collaborations with rosé-producing estates: they are quality references. For instance Australian singer Kylie Minogue has just renewed her collaboration with Château Sainte-Roseline, a classified cru in Provence, whose cuvée La Chapelle Sainte-Roseline combats stereotypes about rosé with the finesse of its blend and its depth on the palate. The leading example is of course Brad Pitt at Château Miraval, whose purchase alongside his ex-wife Angelina Jolie generated many headlines. Voted best rosé wine in the world by the Wine Spectator, the creation made from grenache, syrah, cinsault and rolle is a gourmet rosé that can be easily paired with a gourmet meal, going beyond the aperitif.
And in fact it’s the niche of Provençal rosé that is drawing celebrities. In 2017, George Lucas acquired Chateau Margüi, located in Chateauvert, which can also boast of elevating store shelves with a gourmet rosé, Bastide de Margüi. French stars are also going all in on rosé. In March, Patrick Bruel launched the first vintage of his Augusta rosé, produced on his estate in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
And when stars aren’t making their own rosé, they’re choosing well-known references to post alongside their faces on social media, glass in hand. From Beyoncé to Kendall Jenner, American stars are giving their summers a refreshing, classy boost by uncorking the successful rosé of Château d’Esclans, Whispering Angel. A cuvée created in 2006 by Sacha Lichine, the originator of a concept that Americans love: premium rosé. While some people still associate rosé with cheap, sugary concoctions, the businessman has carved out a whole range of premium rosé wines, the most expensive bottle of which (Garrus), costs a hundred euros. At its launch, the cuvée was labeled as the most expensive rosé in the world. Other Provençal blends have since stolen the title.
Image Crediit: Paul Einerhand/Unsplash
Sparkling Rosé
For the 2022 season, bubbles will be the stars. A brand new taste experience is being proposed by Chandon, a brand of the LVMH group. It has created a blend of eight grape varieties, a formula that is rare in the world of rosé, which usually are composed of three, maybe four, emblematic grape varieties, such as Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah or Mourvèdre. Named Le Chant des Cigales, the cuvée was developed under the direction of former Dom Pérignon cellar master Richard Geoffroy. So we know this is serious! The creation shakes up the codes of sparkling — should we add an ice cube to the glass or not? Something that signals heresy for purists, and which may not help when it comes to stopping the naysayers criticising this type of wine.
And this is not the only serious attempt at a sparkling rosé. At Château Sainte-Roseline too, the focus this year is on the effervescence of a blend built around Grenache, with the addition of Cinsault, Caladoc, Mourvèdre and Rolle. The cuvée, named Allégorie, will be launched on May 25. The beginning of a new trend?
Everyone’s coming up with rosés for alfresco days ahead
By Martin Moran
So, when exactly does summer start? Is it May 1, June 1 or June 21? All have their supporters, but on a practical level, just maybe it’s the day on which you decide to drink your first alfresco rosé or frosé, in the garden, or on a balcony if you don’t have one. We’ve already had days when the mercury went above 20C, so if you haven’t poured a pink drink yet, you probably will soon.
Rosé, like cider, seems embedded in the Irish consciousness as exclusively a summer drink, no matter how often we wine writers try to convince wine drinkers otherwise. Maybe that’s changing a little bit though as rosé sales jumped from 3 per cent of sales in 2016 to 7 per cent in 2020. Fashions change and where once sales were dominated by sweet “blush” Californian wines, this surge is dominated by pale pinks from Provence, with Whispering Angel leading the charge.
The rosé craze is so well established in the United States by now that no one can argue against its credentials as more than just a summer tipple — for large waves of the drinking public, pink wine is a year-round staple. But May continues to mark an important moment on the rose calendar: the point at which the majority of the most recent Northern Hemisphere bottlings are available on the American market.
May also heralds the moment VinePair’s tasting panel assembles to dig out the best of the best in the rose category, and this year certainly delivered. Compiled based on factors such as quality; value, and availability; 2022’s list features supermarket staples, bottles for orange and natural wine aficionados, and worthy opportunities to splurge.
This year’s final ranking pays noteworthy visits to Spain, Portugal, and Greece, as well as both coasts of the United States and, of course, Provence. Expect classic southern French blends and varietal bottlings from a range of exciting different grapes.
Here are the 25 best rose wines for 2022. Looking for our 2021 edition of this list? Head over here.
16. CHATEAU D’ESCLANS ROCK ANGEL 2020
Château d’Esclans propelled the rose movement into the American mainstream with Whispering Angel. This bottle, the more decadent, slightly pricier sibling of that wine, sees partial vinification in 600-liter oak barrels. That process brings a richness to the wine and softens the tartness of its fruit notes. If you’re a regular Whispering Angel drinker, seek out this wine for the next phase of your rose exploration. Average price: $34.
The 15 Best Rosés to Drink This Summer (2022) – Robb Report
In recent times, I’ve come to like one thing new(ish) about spring—its now-annual ritual of cheery messages from wine publicists in regards to the new crop of rosés. “Time to start out pondering pink!” all of them say, in essence. And the variety of pinks launched every April and Might now could be virtually dizzying. Regardless that I’m an inordinate fan of excellent rosé, tasting by means of the gamut out there—vibrant, minerally pale numbers from Provence; perfumed Pinot pinks from California; uncommon blushes from Italy and past—requires some additional deep breaths nowadays.
This 12 months, the hassle was greater than somewhat rewarding. Sources (by way of each varieties and vineyards) and types have advanced; new, extra elaborate winemaking strategies have been employed in pursuit of refined and complicated rosé. It’s clear now that it’s time to cease pondering of rosé as one type of wine. Worth vary alone is an apparent clue. On the decrease finish—sub-$30—are pleasant bottles whose job is to be crisp, dry, and flavorful. Shifting up from there, some winemakers have devoted elements of prized vineyards or treasured previous vines to rosé, delivering focus, complexity and minerality. Many are layering in strategies within the cellar to amplify the nuances—a wide range of vessels, as an example (concrete and oak), and time on the lees to construct weight, texture and mouth-feel.
Your complete spectrum has a lot to supply—only for completely different events. If it’s fried hen you’re having for dinner, a crisp, flavorful sip is simply what you need alongside. However wines on the higher finish of the spectrum supply the entire severe character you would possibly need to set off a candlelight dinner. I’ve included picks from the entire vary right here—from the world’s most costly rosés all the way down to a tremendous discover from Italy that received’t even set you again a Harriet Tubman (a cool $20).
Undoubtedly time to assume pink. Simply give it extra thought than regular this 12 months.
Château D’Esclans 2020 Garrus Côtes de Provence Rosé
Sacha Lichine single-handedly elevated rosé to cult standing when he first produced Garrus for Château D’Esclans in 2006. The 2020, a Grenache-based mix from almost 100-year-old vines, with 11 months in massive new French oak barrels, is, if something, extra spectacular in its depth and complexity. The nostril belies the layers to come back, opening with delicate orchard blossom and oyster shell aromas, with hints of unique spice, purple and stone fruits and marzipan. Within the mouth, the wine is extremely creamy, main with spiced stone fruit compote spritzed with pink grapefruit. For all its energy and weight, the wine unfolds with vivacity into a really lengthy, minerally end.
