Experience the New Angels & Altitude Rosé Garden at Four Seasons Jackson Hole This Summer
Experience the enchantment of a rosé garden this summer at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole. This captivating garden, featuring the wines of Château d’Esclans and capturing the essence of the French countryside, is named after the estate’s renowned Whispering Angel Rosé. The Angels & Altitude garden will open daily, starting on National Rosé Day, Saturday, June 8, 2024.
“Jackson Hole is transformed every summer into an outdoor paradise, with days filled with sunshine and time spent together al fresco,” says Director of Food & Beverage Rui Lopes. “Our summer rosé garden offers an immersive experience, where guests can sip on some of the finest rosé wine while surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of nearby mountain ranges and towering aspen trees.”
Situated on the Resort’s pool deck, Angels & Altitude welcomes both guests and local visitors. The garden will showcase a selection of specialty rosé wines, including several exclusive bottles introduced specifically for this event.
Open daily, the garden will transport visitors to the south of France, adorned with climbing vines, lavender, French umbrellas, picnic baskets, and other charming details. Throughout the summer, the Resort will offer special programming to highlight the garden, including a planned wine pairing dinner.
Says Château d’Esclans Vice President Paul Chevalier, “The Château d’Esclans portfolio is perfectly aligned with Four Seasons, as both brands embody a similar DNA focused on luxury and quality. With the exciting launch of the Angels & Altitude program, we are able to show consumers that rosé is more popular than ever…winter, summer, beach or mountains. Our wines are all about the ‘joie de vivre’ and where better to experience this than in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.”
The 9 Best Rosés to Drink This Summer
Try these outstanding bottles from around the world.
By Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen
We all have those friends that just won’t drink rosé because it’s not red nor white, so they don’t think it’s a real wine, but let’s face it: Rosé is here to stay. There are all types of social media activations, like Les Nuits en Rosé and Rosé All Day and in N.Y.C. there’s even a sunset boat ride dedicated to these enticing dusk-colored wines. So many people are drinking rosé right now that it has become one of the most popular wine choices as the weather heats up and we’re not ashamed to say that when we need to cool down, rosé is one of our go-to choices. When chilled properly it can be refreshing and even restorative, but since it’s produced from red wine grapes it can have more structure and complexity than white wine.
Sure, a lot of rosé wines can be what our English friends call “cheap and cheery,” but take it from us there are a plethora of very well-made rosé wines that have entered the luxury category. Many of the better ones are aged in wood barrels for additional flavor, complexity, and structure.
There are four ways to make rosé wine from red grapes. They include direct press, saignée, vin gris, and even blending white wine and red wine. Will dig deeper into each of these methods in the FAQ section down below, but without further ado, here are nine rosés you’ll want to be drinking this summer.
Best Overall Rosé: Chateau d’Esclans 2021 Garrus Rosé Cotes de Provence Provence France
Sacha Lichine acquired Chateau d’Esclans in Provence in 2006. The estate is situated just north of St. Tropez and many people may know the chateau as the original home of Whispering Angel rosé wine. While Whispering Angel is a perfectly fine entry offering, Sacha’s Garrus Rosé makes the former pale in comparison. If it weren’t for the pink color, Garrus 2021 could fool you into thinking you’re drinking a fine white Burgundy. It has aromas of white peach, apricot puree, and caramelized pineapple and flavors of pear, apple, candied orange peel, and luscious crème brulée with a bright acid finish.
Château d’Esclans and BlockBar sell NFT barrel
By James Evison
Producer Château d’Esclans and blockchain marketplace BlockBar are selling an Non-fungible token (NFT) barrel of Garrus rosé through an online auction.
The single barrel of Garrus 2023 is divided into four quarters and will be available through BlockBar’s new leaderboard technology. Once the wine is reading for bottling, each owner of the quarter-barrel — around 150 litres — will chose for the liquid to be bottled in either a regular size, Magnums, Jeroboams and even a six-litre Methuselah.
Purchasers will have the right to resell their share in the wine until 21 June on BlockBar’s marketplace with the potential owners also having to submit bottling requests by this date.
If owners opt to send their bottles to BlockBar’s storage facility, their quarter barrel NFT will be converted into NFTs representing ownership of the requested bottle sizes and quantities, the producer said.
Experience
All four owners of the barrel will also receive invitations to bring three additional guests for a day with Château d’Esclans founder Sacha Lichine in Provence during the autumn harvest season.
This experience includes a VIP tour of the winery and vineyards as well as a tasting with the winemaker. Each owner’s name will also be personalised on the barrel alongside a photo in the barrel room.
Premiumisation
Château d’Esclans founder Sacha Lichine said about the move that the producer was happy to “demonstrate the more noble side to rosè with Garrus” and the premiumisation of the rosé category was “just beginning”.
He said: “The innovation of auctioning a barrel of our finest rosé for the first time on BlockBar is very exciting,” he added.
BlockBar’s Jamie Ritchie said that Sacha Lichine had created “a global rosé revolution that has reverberated around the world”.
He said: “At Château d’Esclans, he reimagined the definition of world class rosé, from the ubiquitous Whispering Angel to Garrus, the most exclusive and serious rosé ever produced.
“It will be offered on BlockBar in a new leaderboard auction, which brings a fun and interesting pricing mechanic to the sale, making it another first of its kind.”
Exploring wine pairing can completely transform the dining experience, elevating both the dish and the drink chosen.
When it comes to rosé wine , versatility is its trademark, capable of accompanying a wide range of dishes and occasions.
Rosé wine stands out for its lightness and freshness, characteristics that make it perfect for pairing with foods with a delicate to moderately intense flavor.
Tips for Pairing Rosé Wine
Ideal Dishes for Rosé Win
Rosé wines are known for their ability to pair with a variety of dishes. From light salads and seafood dishes to white meats and mild cheeses, the pairing can be surprisingly broad. A key aspect for successful pairing is considering the aromatic profile and structure of the chosen rosé wine.
For example, a rosé from Provence, famous for its subtlety and floral notes, pairs wonderfully with fresh salads or lightly seasoned fish dishes. A fuller-bodied rosé, perhaps from the Tavel region in France, can support dishes with more intense flavors, such as grilled white meats or Mediterranean dishes.
Cheeses and Rosé Wine: A Versatile Combination
The choice of cheese to accompany your rosé wine can vary widely depending on the strength and style of the wine. Fresh, soft cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert, complement the lightness and freshness of more subtle rosés. On the other hand, cheeses with more striking flavors, such as feta or even chèvre, can enhance the attributes of a more robust rosé.
It is important to note that the serving temperature of the wine also influences the pairing experience. A rosé wine served slightly chilled, around 8-10°C, will best reveal its qualities, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of creamy cheeses or the saltiness of marine appetizers.
Considering these aspects, pairing rosé wines is not limited to rigid rules, but rather to experimentation and balance between the flavors of the dish and the wine. Whether for an elegant dinner or a casual picnic, rosé wine offers endless pairing possibilities, capable of pleasing different palates.
Glass of rosé wine and cheese (Image: IA)
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
What does rosé wine taste like?
The flavor of rosé wine is remarkably diverse, varying significantly depending on the grape used, the terroir and the production method. In general, rosé wines are characterized by their lightness and freshness, with a delicate balance between acidity and sweetness. Many have fruity and floral notes, including aromas of strawberry, cherry, raspberry and roses, with mineral touches in some examples. This combination of flavors makes rosé wine extremely versatile, suitable for both casual and more formal occasions.
When tasting a rosé wine, it is possible to perceive a complexity that defies the notion that it is a less sophisticated option compared to reds and whites. Its flavor palette, which can range from citrus notes to herbaceous touches, reflects the diversity of winemaking techniques and choices made by the winemaker, providing a unique and pleasant sensorial experience.
What is the difference between red and rosé wine?
The main difference between red wine and rosé lies in the production method, especially the contact time between the grape juice and the skins. Red wines are produced by allowing a longer maceration period, which extracts more tannins, color and flavors from the grape skins. This results in fuller-bodied wines, with greater complexity of flavors and aging potential. Rosé wines are made by limiting this contact, resulting in a lighter color, less tannins and lighter, fruitier flavors, reflecting the essence of freshness.
Another important difference is the versatility in gastronomic pairing. While reds generally pair best with red meat and more robust dishes, rosés have the ability to pair with a wider variety of foods, from light starters to white meats and seafood, thanks to their lightness and balanced aromatic profile.
When do you drink rosé wine?
Rosé wine is exceptionally versatile, suitable for a variety of occasions, from a relaxing outdoor picnic to an elegant dinner party. Its lightness and freshness make it the perfect choice for hot summer days, but its complexity and variety also allow it to be enjoyed all year round. Rosé is ideal for social events, such as parties and receptions, as it tends to be a “democratic” wine, pleasing a wide range of palates.
Furthermore, it is an excellent option for aperitifs or to accompany light meals, such as salads, seafood dishes and mild cheeses. The flexibility of rosé wine, capable of pairing with a variety of dishes, makes it a smart choice for any occasion that requires a sophisticated and accessible drink.
What are the best rosé wines?
The “best” rosé wines depend on personal taste, but some examples stand out on the international scene for their quality and representation. Rosé wines from Provence, France, are widely recognized for their excellence, exhibiting balance, freshness and aromatic subtlety. Brands such as Château d’Esclans (Whispering Angel) is (among) the most prestigious.
In addition to France, regions such as Spain, Italy and the United States also produce high-quality rosés. In Spain, rosés from Navarra offer excellent value for money, while in Italy, rosés from Tuscany and Sicily enchant with their personality. In the United States, the highlight is California rosés, which combine innovation and tradition. Choosing the best rosé wine should consider the desired flavor profile and the occasion, encouraging experimentation and personal discovery.
Summary
Variety of Flavors : Rosé wine has fruity and floral notes, such as strawberry, cherry, raspberry, and roses
Versatile Pairing : Ideal for light dishes, seafood, white meats and cheeses.
Key Differences : Less skin contact time differentiates rosé from reds, resulting in fewer tannins and lighter flavors.
Consumption Occasions : Perfect for any occasion, from casual picnics to elegant dinners.
Recommendations : Wines from Provence, Château d’Esclans stand out for its quality.
Curating the best wine in the Philippines for our community of wine lovers
WHISPERING ANGEL ROSÉ: PROVENCE’S ELEGANCE IN EVERY SIP
CRAFTSMANSHIP AND INNOVATION: THE ART OF WINEMAKING AT CHÂTEAU D’ESCLANS
At the heart of Whispering Angel’s allure lies the meticulous winemaking process, a symphony of craftsmanship and innovation orchestrated by the skilled hands at Château d’Esclans. From vine to bottle, every step is carefully choreographed to preserve the essence of Provence and capture the delicate flavors that define this iconic rosé.
HARVESTING: A LABOR OF LOVE The journey of Whispering Angel begins with the annual grape harvest, a labor of love that unfolds amidst the sun-drenched vineyards of Provence. Each September, from sunrise to noon, skilled vineyard workers carefully select and pick the ripest grapes, ensuring that only the finest fruit makes its way into the cellar. The harvest is conducted with precision, with grapes hand-picked and placed in small crates to avoid damage during transport.
SORTING Upon arrival at the cellars, the grapes undergo a rigorous sorting process to ensure only the highest quality fruit is used in the winemaking process. Manual sorting by experienced hands is followed by optical eye sorting, where grapes are meticulously inspected for health and quality. Only those grapes that meet the exacting standards of the winemaker are selected for vinification, a testament to Château d’Esclans’ commitment to excellence.
COOLING AND PRESSING Once sorted, the grapes are gently crushed to release their precious juice, which is then cooled to lock in its freshness and vibrancy. Temperature reduction is key to preserving the grapes’ delicate flavors, with the juice reaching temperatures as low as 7-8 degrees Celsius. This process ensures that Whispering Angel maintains its signature crispness and vitality, even as it undergoes fermentation.
FERMENTATION Fermentation is where the magic of winemaking truly begins. The juice, now transformed into wine, is placed in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to undergo fermentation. Here, yeast converts the grapes’ sugars into alcohol, while the wine develops its characteristic aromas and flavors. Throughout the fermentation process, careful monitoring and precise temperature control ensure that the wine retains its purity and elegance.
AGING AND BLENDING: THE ART OF ASSEMBLAGE After fermentation, the wine is aged to further develop its complexity and depth of flavor. Some batches may undergo barrel fermentation, where they are aged in oak barrels to impart subtle nuances of spice and texture. This methods pertains to the production of a portion of Rock Angel and Château d’Esclans while the two top end wines, Les Clans and Garrus are completely fermented and aged in oak barrels. Others may remain in stainless steel tanks to preserve their crispness and freshness. The final step is blending, where different batches of wine are carefully combined to achieve the desired flavor profile. The art of assemblage is a delicate balancing act, where each component plays a vital role in creating the harmonious whole that is Whispering Angel.
BOTTLING AND AGING Once blended, the wine is bottled and allowed to age, a process that allows its flavors to marry and evolve over time. While Whispering Angel is renowned for its youthful vibrancy, a period of aging adds complexity and depth to the wine, ensuring that it reaches its full potential upon release.
QUALITY CONTROL Throughout the winemaking process, rigorous quality control measures are in place to ensure that every bottle of Whispering Angel meets the highest standards of excellence. From vineyard to cellar, each step is carefully monitored and guided by the experienced hands of the winemaking team. This unwavering commitment to quality is what sets Whispering Angel apart, ensuring that every sip is a testament to the artistry and dedication of Château d’Esclans. It is this dedication to quality that has made Whispering Angel a beloved favorite among wine enthusiasts worldwide, a wine that whispers of elegance and charm with every sip.
CULTURAL IMPACT: A GLOBAL PHENOMENON
Whispering Angel’s rise to prominence is a testament to its universal appeal. From chic rooftop bars in Makati and BGC to sun-drenched beaches in Palawan, Siargao, or Boracay, this iconic rosé has captivated wine lovers around the nation and around the globe. Its pale pink hue has become synonymous with sophistication, while its refreshing taste has made it the go-to choice for countless celebrations and gatherings. But Whispering Angel is more than just a wine; it is a cultural phenomenon. It has inspired a lifestyle centered around leisure, elegance, and conviviality, where every moment is an opportunity to savor life’s simple pleasures. Whether enjoyed with a casual meal or as an aperitif among friends, Whispering Angel embodies the spirit of enjoying life.
SAVORING THE TASTE OF WHISPERING ANGEL ROSÉ
Whispering Angel rosé tantalizes the palate with its exquisite flavor profile, offering a delightful balance of fruitiness, freshness, and elegance. Pouring a beautifully pale pink hue, it releases inviting aromas of fresh red berries, hints of peaches, and subtle floral notes. On the palate, Whispering Angel reveals ripe red berry fruitiness with a smooth and fleshy texture, culminating in a satisfying, smooth finish devoid of harsh astringency. Its versatility extends to pairing possibilities, making it an ideal match for light, summery dishes like seafood salads, grilled shrimp, or fresh sushi, as well as heartier Mediterranean fare such as herb-roasted chicken or grilled vegetables with olive oil. Whether enjoyed with friends at a casual gathering or as part of an intimate date night, Whispering Angel elevates every dining experience with its undeniable charm and elegance, offering a taste of Provence that beckons to be savored and celebrated. In every bottle of Whispering Angel, one discovers not just a wine, but a story waiting to be told. It is a testament to the beauty of Provence’s terroir, the artistry of winemaking, and the enduring appeal of a timeless classic inviting us to savor the elegance and sophistication of a truly exceptional wine.
Peering into our crystal ball instead of our crystal decanter.
By Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen
Rosé Is Going Haute
Drinking rosé throughout the year has gone from trend to permanent status, and we will see more and more premium offerings entering the market. We’ve been expecting to see luxury competition for pioneers in the space such as Domaine Ott, Château d’Esclans, and Gérard Bertrand for some time, and LVMH’s major investment in Château Minuty earlier this year sealed the deal as far as we’re concerned. Expanded—and pricier—rosé selections are on their way to a restaurant near you.
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.
Garrus from the Château d’Esclans estate: an exceptional rosé
Summer officially ends this Saturday but the sunny days should last for a while longer and, with them, lunches and dinners accompanied by chilled rosé.
Recognizable by its very light color, the Garrus is certainly the most famous of them. Developed by oenologist Patrick Léon, the Garrus vintage comes from an almost century-old vineyard. Planted at the top of a hill between Cannes and Saint-Tropez, it is part of the Château d’Esclans estate , also known for the quality of its white wines.
Produced for the first time in 2006 during the purchase of the wine estate by the French entrepreneur and winemaker Sacha Lichine, the Garrus rosé is based on exceptional know-how which has continued since the holding company Moët Hennessy, already owner of estates prestige like Veuve Clicquot, Dom Pérignon or Ruinart, became the owner of the place in 2019.
The harvest continues in September and the Grenache and Rolle from which the rosé is produced are still harvested by hand. They are also placed in crates with a capacity of less than 10 kg in order to avoid crushing the grains. These are then sorted manually. Only those whose shape, size, color and appearance meet the specifications are pressed. The less tannic juices are then put into oak barrels renewed every three years.
Garrus rosé is no longer the most expensive rosé in the world today (on this point it competes with Muse de Miraval from Jolie-Pitt-Perrin, Étoile from Domaines Ott and Clos du Temple from Gérard Bertrand ) but it remains an exceptional wine, the result of excellent know-how.
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.
91
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!
The 9 Best Wines to Drink on Your Yacht This Summer
The bottles you want when you’re having fun on the water.
By Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen
Whether you are out for the day on a friend’s boat or are enjoying summer in Nice or Cannes in your own floating home, it’s important to liven up the overwater party with a few special bottles of wine. If you’re hitting hotspots on land in the evenings your options are often limited, so it’s fun to combine a mix of easy-to-find bottles with under the radar selections when you’re back on board.
Bubbles add to the festive atmosphere of being on a boat, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to the same Champagne brands you’ll find in every port. Think outside the box and seek out sparklers from other regions such as California or northern Italy. You are always going to have one lover of oaky Chardonnay on hand; however, offering a lighter, aromatic white as well will keep everyone happy. No yachting excursion, be it for a few hours or the whole season, is complete without at least one rosé (or two) from the Côtes de Provence in the south of France. And while hot days on the water call for well-chilled whites, rosés, and bubbles, when the sun dips below the horizon and your sun-kissed skin begins to cool down, a couple of red wine choices will be appreciated by all, either poured on their own after time ashore or alongside an elegant alfresco dinner on the open deck.
Here are three bottles of bubbles, two whites, two rosés, and two reds to look out for the next time you are stocking up for some time on a yacht.
This ever-so-pale-pink rosé is a blend of Grenache, Vermentino, and Syrah and is made mostly from free run juice with no maceration. It is aged in 600-liter barrels for about ten months and undergoes battonage, or stirring of the lees, twice a week. It was first made by Sacha Lichine in 2006 and this 2019 is drinking perfectly right now, especially from a three-liter double magnum bottle, which is the perfect size to share with friends on your yacht. It has aromas of strawberry, orange peel, and grapefruit pith. It is full bodied with elegant mouthfeel and flavors of red fruits, citrus blossom, and a touch of white pepper in the finish. Available in 750 ml, 1.5 liter, or 3-liter format.
