Whispering Angel

By Mario Rodrigues

Whispering Angel, precursor of the ‘Rennassaince du Rosé’ movement and one of the most special wines in the Chateau D’Esclans portfolio, transports us to the Cotes de Provence through its floral and red fruit notes.
Sacha Lichine introduced innovative winemaking techniques to Provence that revolutionized the style of rosé wines produced in this region. This revolution led to the creation of Whispering Angel, a high-quality, versatile and affordable rosé made to appreciate and enjoy.

The profile, intense and exuberant with a smooth finish, make Whispering Angel a wine with a wide gastronomic appetite that ranges from ceviche to chicken with lemon.

Chateau D’Esclans was acquired in 2006 by Sacha Lichine with the aim of giving rosé wines the prominence they deserve. It was on this magical property, located in the heart of Provence, France, that Sacha laid the foundations for the exponential growth of the category, thus starting the “renaissance du rosé”, a movement that turned this style of wine into an object of desire. Together with renowned winemaker Patrick Leon, and thanks to innovative oenological techniques, Sacha Lichine created, at Chateau D’Esclans, the best rosé wines in the world, combining quality, tradition and elegance, with a legacy of values that continue to this day.
One of the most special wines in the Chateau D’Esclans portfolio is Whispering Angel — a rosé that combines the sweetest and freshest grape varieties in France, such as Garnacha, Cinsault and Rolle. This dry wine — with zero sugars — has floral and red fruit notes, a pale color and an intense and exuberant palate that, together with the smooth finish, make Whispering Angel a delicate and elegant wine like a “whisper of an angel”. , extremely pleasant to taste. As Sacha said “in the valley of Esclans, the angels whisper. If you drink this wine, you will be able to hear them… If you visit us, you will be able to see them’:

Recognized as one of the most important rosés by Drink Business, Whispering Angel presents itself as the perfect companion — from noon to midnight, in all seasons and perfect to pair with a wide variety of international dishes, from ceviches to tatakis. , passing through the classic pissaladiere provencale or the lemon chicken piccata, being a sure choice for meetings and celebrations with family and friends.
One of the distinguishing characteristics that Whispering Angel shares with the other rosés at Chateau D’Esclans is the unique approach, which blends the traditional with the modern, from fermentation in barrels at controlled temperature, through a closed individual cooling system that is activated when the barrels are completely full.

The combination of innovation with tradition and the savoir-faire of Chateau D’Esclans revolutionized the style of rosé wines produced in Provence, producing an award-winning range of exclusive references, including Rock Angel, Chateau D’Esclans, Les Clans and Garrus. A new generation of rosé wines that are characterized by their elegance, depth, richness and complexity, making the Maison a world reference for rosé de Provence that has conquered the public and the critics.

Carne de porco a Alentejana: At the table

By Joanna Simon

Joanna Simon delves into the unexpected origins and preparation of carne de porco a Alentejana—and picks out the best wines to serve with this classic Portuguese dish.
Of the two things you would think it was safe to assume about carne de porco a Alentejana—that it’s based on pork and is from the Alentejo region—one of them turns out not to be the case: the dish did not originate in Alentejo. Meanwhile, one thing you would not conclude, or even imagine, from the name is that there are two hero ingredients. Alongside the pork there are clams.


Carne de porco a Alentejana: Portuguese surf ‘n’ turf
Portugal’s answer to surf ‘n’ turf is now served throughout the country, but it’s generally accepted that its origins are in the Algarve, where the extensive Atlantic coastline has long favoured an important fishing industry. Why, then, a Alentejana, which has half as much coast and only one decent-sized fishing port?
The popular theory is that pork from the Algarve tasted of fish meal and other leftovers from the fish-canning industry that the pigs were fed on. To mask the taste, clams, which were very readily available, were mixed with the pork. In contrast, Alentejo pigs, raised in the open where they fed on cork oak acorns, were noted for the quality of the meat produced by this superior elevage. At what point in history the name was given to the dish, and when and if, by then, it was being cooked in the Algarve with Alentejo pork is about as clear as the sediment in a bottle of mature wine.
Another part of the history of the dish, but again one where it isn’t clear whether it is theory, story or truth, is that the eating of carne de porco a Alentejana was used to test the resolve of Cristaos-novos—Jewish converts to Christianity—after King Manuel I decreed in 1496 that Jews must either convert or be expelled from the country. One certainty about the dish at that time is that it didn’t include potato, as it does now. Most sources give circa 1570, or at most a few years earlier, for the arrival of the potato in Europe, through Spain.

The significance of cilantro
In addition to pork, clams and potatoes, significant ingredients include white wine, massa de pimentao (a red pepper paste that originated in the Algarve), smoked paprika, garlic, bay leaves, and fresh coriander (cilantro). As an aside, it’s interesting to note that Portugal is the only European country that uses cilantro in its traditional cuisine.The meat, a fairly lean but tender cut, is marinated in white wine and flavorings before being sautéed and then simmered gently in the marinade. The potatoes are usually added part-way through and the clams shortly before the end. It is served with the cilantro/coriander leaves chopped on top and sometimes wedges of lemon.
Pork cooked in white wine, clams, red pepper, cilantro … it might all seem to point to white wine as an accompaniment, but carne de porco a Alentejana is not a simple, light dish that needs nothing more than the white-wine equivalent of a squeeze of lemon. There are plenty of whites to chose from, which I’ll come to, but the lighter, fresher, lower tannin, less oaky reds that we now see all around mean that there are ready matches among reds made from grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Poulsard, Gamay, Nerello Mascalese (I’m thinking Etna), Frappato, old-vine Cinsault and Pais, and old-vine, high-altiitude Garnacha. Conveniently, these are reds that are happy with the assertive, fragrant, greenness of cilantro.

Carne de porco a Alentejana: Rosés
At a time when the quality of rosé has never been better, rosés also have a place with pork and clams, among them the best of Provence… To single out (two): Chateau d’Esclans Garrus, ideally with a few years’ bottle age, the impressive but cheaper Rock Angel 2019 from the same stable…

WhispeEveryone’s favourite rosé Whispering Angel launches a new fruity editionring Angel

By Claire Hyland

Hear that? That’s the sound of a new classic being uncorked. With brighter days on the horizon, it was only a matter of time before our thoughts turned to sipping rosé in the sun.
On that front, we have some news that will definitely tickle your tastebuds! Beloved French wine brand Whispering Angel is releasing a new edition and summer officially starts here.
The original vintage was created by Sacha Lichine when he took on Chateau d’Esclans in Provence in 2006 and is largely credited with kick-starting the rosé trend before going on to become the most popular rosé wine in the world.
The question then is how the winemaker could possibly top that? Well, he is certainly aiming to do that with Whispering Angel Cotes de Provence 2021.

Known more commonly as Provence rosé wine lovers can expect aromas of lavender, rosehip, strawberries, cherries, and cloves in the newest member of the family.

It is mostly made with Grenache, Cinsault and Vermentino grapes that have been grown in the region of La Motte en Provence and as for the taste well, expect a medium bodied wine with a crisp acidity that is bone dry with a smooth finish.
Even better Provence rosé is ever so slightly more budget friendly than the original wine with a RSP of €26.

Other members of the Chateau d’Esclans family include The Palm and Garrus and Les Clans as well as Rock Angel but Whispering Angel remains the star attraction and is now available in over 100 countries.
Celeb fans include Adele, The Beckhams and Killing Eve star Jodie Comer.

Pick a bottle of the new Provence rose from Irish stockists nationwide including Brown Thomas and Dunnes Stores.

The most exciting new hotel openings coming in 2022

The new hotels to look out for around the world

By Sarah James

New year, new hotels to bookmark – at least, that’s what we get excited about when one year rolls into the next. These openings – all slated for 2022 – are getting us seriously excited about the travel opportunities stretching ahead of us – from Shoreditch to Sumba via Samos, Scotland, Switzerland and beyond.
New hotel openings spring 2022

The Retreat at Elcot Park, Berkshire, England

The Mitre, near Hampton Court Palace right on the Thames, was one of our favourite hotel openings of 2020 – a place of whimsy, candy-coloured fabrics and river views. So we’ve got our beady eye on The Retreat at Elcot Park, the 2022 opening from the same team. Expect more playful colours and fabrics, and further excellent views (this time of the Kennet Valley), all parcelled neatly inside a Grade II-listed building that’s leaning into its utterly British heritage – plus 16 acres of swimming pools, tennis courts, croquet lawns, hell, even a Whispering Angel bar that sounds more Balearics than Berkshire. And all 40 minutes from London. Heaven.

Best rosé wines available in the UK to try for summer 2022

With spring sunshine here, it’s Rosé all day…
By Nicky Rampley-Clarke

From Mykonos to St Tropez, drinking rosé has become synonymous with endless summer days in Europe’s most exclusive destinations, where long lunches are fuelled by only the palest picks from Provence and champagne-spraying is considered positively passé.
Far removed from the dark, fruity depths of Mateus – the original Portuguese variety popular in the 70s served from a (now-iconic) hip flask-inspired bottle – it’s undeniably Whispering Angel that can be credited with our new-found thirst for rosé. As the sexy poster child for premium pinks, and a status symbol that graces any gathering worth going to, it’s hard to fathom how supply keeps up with demand around the world.
Despite its fairly-recent rebrand as a day-drinking staple – a single snap from a social media influencer swirling a glass of the stuff is ‘Gram gold – rosé is one the oldest wines around. Ironic, isn’t it? That’s because its production methods are relatively simple, made from red wine grapes with a reduced time fermenting with the grape skins, while it can be created from any red wine grape in any wine-growing region. This gives it a pinker hue and a lighter flavour than reds.
That’s not to say that all rosé wines are made equal. Those crafted in Provence with their signature pale colour are certainly the most fashionable – and many argue, the most delicious – but getting more to grips with a glass (and really understanding its qualities) has given rise to a new wave of exciting producers and must-try brands.
Here, we’ve done the hard work – well, someone had to – and drank the most delicious rosés out there to compile the ultimate shopping list to steer your summer.
It’s time to clink the pink…

Created in the cellars of Chateau d’Escalans a revered estate in the hills of Provence that set out to create the greatest rosé on the planet – Whispering Angel has become a byword for the pale pinks so beloved of this region.
It’s succeeded, as its dusky colour and dry flavour has become famous, while its evocative name and beautiful bottle add to its cool credentials. While the producer has since brought out other bottles – Rock Angel and The Palm, amongst others – the original remains the best: made from Grenache, Cinasault and Rolle, it’s a shining example of its kind, and still leads the charge in the rosé renaissance.

Buy now £20, Waitrose

Oh, Sacha Lichine, you spoil us! Not content with creating what is the best rosé of recent times in Whispering Angel (above), the producer has now launched The Pale: a deliciously dry rosé that makes all others at this price point, quite frankly, pale in comparison.
With its bottle more akin to a gin or whisky served at a speakeasy, together with artwork inspired by early editions of the New Yorker, it’s hard to miss in a supermarket sweep. Inspired by the fresh sea air of the French Riviera, the wine itself is an aromatic and expressive blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes grown parallel to the Mediterranean coast. It’s these salty, sunny soils that lend the wine its dry yet fruity character. Summer bliss.

Buy now f 13.99, Waitrose

Island Getaways: A Philadelphian’s Guide to Vacationing in the Bahamas

Tropical bliss shines through in this easygoing paradise.
By Regan Fletcher Stephens

“Do you like this liquid sunshine?”

It was raining when we landed in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas.The flight was short and seamless, a new direct route on Frontier from Philly to the West Indies archipelago, and in a flash, my husband and I went from chaotic PHL to the black car whisking us to the Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort (rooms from $1,500), situated on the aptly named Paradise Island.
The driver’s inquiry put a positive spin on the weather, but either way, we didn’t mind it. Both the island and this resort, with its white sand beach, Versailles-inspired gardens, and general understated elegance (James Bond flick Casino Royale was filmed here), are well worth a visit, even in a little light rain.

It’s true the billowy gray clouds that passed over in intervals — dousing us to various degrees with that liquid sunshine — prevented us from playing tennis. (The courts were wet. And also, we didn’t try that hard.) But the rain didn’t stop us from floating in the infinity pool, longer than an Olympic pool — bordering the lawn, and with an oceanfront view. A refreshing mist of rainwater made a cool contrast to the pool’s heated warmth. Nor did a passing rainstorm keep us from curling up on lounge chairs under a beach umbrella, luxuriously reading books that, thanks to the three kids we’d left at home, we never get to read in real life. Or visiting the Balinese-style spa, or sipping glasses of Whispering Angel rosé in the fragrant gardens.

The endless appeal of rosé wine

There’s a good reason that a bottle of rosé seems to disappear so quickly. Great pink wine is delicious, says Nina Caplan. Plus, Jane MacQuitty’s top picks

By Nina Caplan

In the 1950s the great American writer AJ Liebling warned his readership off rosé wines, which, he complained, were popping up like measles all over the globe. For him, there was only one great rose:Tavel. Everything else was cheap run-off, dressed in pink by calculating incompetents who knew their lacklustre wines would sell no other way.
Tavel, just across the Rhone from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, certainly makes superb rosés, but the rest was unfair, even back then. Liebling could have tried the delicious apricot and orange-peel rosé made by Lucien Peyraud of Domaine Tempier, and I wish he had, because Lucien’s wife, Lulu, was a legendary cook who inspired Alice Waters in California and Simon Hopkinson in London — and I would have loved to read Liebling’s account of a meal chez Peyraud. By the time I met Lulu, she was 99 and no longer cooking. But she still knocked back her share of the bottle, told wicked jokes and ultimately lived to 102. If that’s not an advertisement for good rosé, what is?
Still, the person who ended the argument over whether rosé could be more than just a pretty drop is Sacha Lichine. Grandson of a Russian aristocrat who fled the revolution and son of the wine writer and Bordeaux entrepreneur Alexis Lichine, Sacha bought a Provencal estate, Chateau d’Esclans, in 2006 and fixed his sights on a serious pink wine. This wasn’t just opportunism. “Rose is the most difficult colour I’ve ever had to make good,” Lichine told me. His Garrus, made principally from a single patch of 100-year-old grenache vines was, for a while, the most expensive rosé in the world (it has since been overtaken by fellow Provencal Gerard Bertrand’s Clos du Temple), while his less rarified Whispering Angel is so globally popular it’s known as “Hamptons water”.
Snobbery about pink is even more rife than prejudice about wine, and rosé is where the two meet. Yet last summer, the bright cerise of Metisse, made (biodynamically, from the classic Languedoc grapes grenache, cinsault and carignan) by the rising star Maxime Magnon, chimed so perfectly with sunset over the Mediterranean that I still feel certain somebody crept on to our holiday balcony and siphoned off half the bottle. That’s the sign of a superlative rosé, to me: not the depth of colour, but the way the wine seems to evaporate in seconds, no matter how you try to linger over it.

Marques de Murrieta’s Primer, glowing orange-pink through its elegant faceted bottle and tasting of sundried red fruit and flowers, did this; so did the ephemeral peaches and lavender of Chene Bleu’s Rhone rosé. Chateau Leoube’s new limited edition, Rosé Singulier, with its tomato tang, evaporated too — even as a magnum. In Beechworth, north of Melbourne, Julian Castagna opened a bottle of his Allegro; I recall just a trace of rosehip and a lingering bitterness — which may simply have been my incredulity at its instant disappearance. The best orange wines are guilty of this, too: anyone who thinks only reds or whites have character should try Camf Pesseroles Brisat, which is rich yet dry and herbaceous, with the tint of autumn leaves. Paler is not automatically better, any more than blonde is: colour is not character, unless you are a painting, and character is what I want in a wine.
Which brings me back to Tavel. The best are deep raspberry yet dry as wit and pulsing with charisma; it’s easy to understand why Liebling loved them, as did Louis XIV, their colour perfect for a monarch known as the Sun King. L’Anglore is probably the most admired (and expensive), but Domaine de la Mordoree’s La Dame Rousse is gorgeous, with a bitter-orange tang and a cherry tint that glows … at least for the brief moments before, like the sunset it resembles, the wine vanishes.

Five of the best spring pinks

By Jane MacQuitty

2020 Flor de Muga Rioja Rosado, Spain
Scrumptious smoky, savoury Spanish rosado, made from 70 to 90-year-old garnacha bush vines and aged in French oak.
£19.99, waitrose.com

2020 Chateau Simone, Palette, France
A rare punchy, deep rosy-pink and sweet, morello-cherry Provencal star from a tiny appellation: Palette. £42.50, yapp.co.uk

2018 Château d’Esclans, Garrus, Cotes de Provence Rosé, France
An awesome barrel-fermented and matured 2018, with dreamy wood-smoke and tea-leaf pizzazz. f 100, clos 19.com

2019 Clos du Temple, Languedoc Cabrieres, France
Gerard Bertrand’s delicious minerally, oaky-smoky, orange-peel and vanilla-scented Clos du T is the world’s priciest pink.
£238, hedonism.co.uk

In less than three weeks spring will be here. The world needs some colorful delight right now. And with that in mind we are celebrating with our favorite things today.

By Elizabeth Taylor

TFOR SPRING SIPS… WE ADORE…

Whispering Angel is a joyful experience from start to finish. The brand is adored around the world and will be just as loved in your home. A classic COtes de Provence rosé it holds flavors of grapefruit and citrus combined with refreshing acidity.