Château d’Esclans stands out at international awards

The French winery’s winemaker, Bertrand Léon, is recognized in the Master Winemaker Top 100 book, in the category of “Best Rosé” by the Garrus label, during Wine Paris 2026 Château d’Esclans, a renowned winery in the Provence region, reinforces its prestige and excellence by standing out in the Master Winemaker Top 100, a book that celebrates the great talents of world oenology. In this publication, the technical director and winemaker, Bertrand Léon, received recognition in the “Best Rosé” category with the Garrus 2023 label.

The work is the result of a partnership between The Drinks Business, an international English vehicle dedicated to the beverage industry, and the Global Wine Masters Series, an internationally respected program that conducts rigorous blind tastings conducted by industry experts. Bringing together an exclusive selection of the most talented winemakers in these evaluations and considering innovation, technique and quality, it was presented at Wine Paris 2026, one of the world’s leading wine trade fairs, held at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, between February 9th and 11th.

At the head of the Château d’Esclans, Bertrand Léon consolidates himself as a figure of great relevance in the wine universe. Graduated in Agriculture in Bordeaux, with a specialization in Viticulture and Oenology, he has held the position of Technical Director of the winery since 2011. Growing up in the midst of the world of wine, his learning was shaped by the experience and guidance of his father, Patrick Léon, a renowned winemaker who served as a consultant and founder of the estate, who, alongside Sacha Lichine, led the so-called “Rosé Renaissance”, positioning this style of wine as a symbol of prestige, lifestyle and luxury.

Garrus 2023, considered a high-end rosé, is the label that secured the coveted title. Produced from a single vineyard of almost 100 years, it is fermented and aged in oak barrels, which gives it dry citrus aromas, notes of peach and passion fruit, combined with flavors of glazed pear and pineapple, with subtle toasted nuances. This wine translates the sophistication, precision and elegance that define the winery’s style.

This award adds to other recognitions won by the Maison. Last year, it was named in the category of Rosé Producer of the Year 2025 by the International Wine & Spirits Competition and was also among the 50 Best Wineries in the World by Forbes, reaffirming its position as a reference in the global luxury wine scene.

Whispering Angel celebrates 20 years at the iconic villa Casuarina

Rosé all day? Try rosé for two decades with Whispering Angel

Wednesday Wines – Episode 301 – Happy 20th Birthday Whispering Angel & Friends

It has passed in a flash, these last twenty years.  I remember Sacha Lichine telling me of his Provençal dream when he was still based in Bordeaux, and I had no reason to doubt he would make a go of it, given his energy and vision.  But I don’t think anyone, aside from perhaps Sacha, could have imagined it would change the world in the way in which Whispering Angel and the phenomenal estate wines from Château d’Esclans have done.  To date, there are countless imitators, and some make decent wines, but there is only one original, and it is fitting that this 20th-anniversary release is delicious, and that the ‘Grands Crus’, which are celebrated by the great and the good, are utterly stunning.  Chapeau.

2025 Whispering Angel Rosé, 20th Vintage Limited Edition, Sacha Lichine, Côtes de Provence, France

It is fitting that the perfume here forms a veritable fanfare of glorious white peach, rhubarb, melon rind and pomegranates on the nose.  And then, as if by magic, an invisible conductor ushers the audience to their seats, and, on command, the flavours seep onto the palate and rise gradually until every taste bud is immersed in gloriously refreshing, silky fruit.  And then the flavours recede, leaving you with a feeling of monastic calm.  You momentarily snap back to attention and repeat.  Happy Birthday indeed, and it will last all year.

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2024 Les Clans, Château d’Esclans, Domaines Sacha Lichine, Côtes de Provence, France

Les Clans has been performing at the top of its game for a good few years, and in 2024, the fruit has taken on a super-indulgent, hugely exotic stance on the palate.  It seems intent on wooing your senses in the shortest time possible, so the stopwatch clicks into action.  Job done.  Few elite rosés on earth achieve their aim in the blink of an eye.  This is a phenomenally grand wine with a cheeky Cirque du Soleil wink in every flavour flourish.  This drama reveals itself in miniature explosions of ginger blossom and white pepper, and all this excitement is topped off with a plunge-pool of cleansing acidity.  The beguiling crispness, coupled with the faintest tannic traction, allows this staggeringly proportioned wine to maintain a sense of decorum and poise.  Silky-smooth, pure, and beautifully detailed, the glamour that the oak imprint brings to the party is jaw-dropping, and the whole experience warrants a minute or so of quiet reflection.

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2023 Garrus, Château d’Esclans, Domaines Sacha Lichine, Côtes de Provence, France

It’s lazy to suggest that Garrus is simply Les Clans with more and larger bells and louder and more penetrative whistles.  This is neither accurate nor helpful, yet I have heard it repeated ad infinitum.  While these wines are siblings, they are built on very different platforms, which informs the scale and structure of fruit built on these foundations.  Garrus is a more structured and foursquare wine, and it is initially more closed and guarded on the nose.  The aroma is broader, flatter and less exotic, with clearly defined oak signals rising and falling in the glass. The fruit notes are more commanding and rigid, with a deeper thrum of power and hints of skin and pith among the reservoirs of coral-coloured, profoundly resonant fruit.  As always, Garrus needs a year or two to drop its shoulders.  And when this 2023 does, I imagine a dam of wild cherries, figs, fennel, pink peppercorns and wild herbs will tumble from the glass.  It will romance pork, chicken and veal, not fish and plateaux de fruits de mer like its stablemate. If you want to drink Garrus now, pop back to the 2017 or 2020.  The 2021 is starting to open, while the 2022 is already a catwalk model, but it still has a year to go.  Only then should you uncork 2023 Garrus!  In the meantime, bathe in Les Clans!

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February Wine and Beer Specials at Piggly Wiggly Birmingham

February is a perfect time to stock up on great wine and beer, whether you are planning a cozy dinner at home, celebrating Valentine’s Day, or watching the big game with friends. Piggly Wiggly Birmingham has once again delivered an outstanding lineup of specialty beer and wine deals, reinforcing why our stores have been voted Birmingham’s Best Place to Buy Wine for seven years in a row and Best Place to Buy Beer for four years running.

From everyday favorites under $10 to premium bottles for special occasions, these February 2026 specials make it easy to enjoy quality selections without leaving your neighborhood store.

Wine Specials to Enjoy All Month Long.

Our February wine specials feature a wide variety of styles from trusted regions around the world, making it simple to find the right bottle for any taste or budget.

Rosé and Premium Picks

Rosé is not just for summer. Whispering Angel Rosé from France is available for $22.99 and remains one of the most popular rosé wines year-round thanks to its balanced, refreshing style.

News briefs:

Chateau d’Esclans’ Whispering Angel is introducing a new limited edition bottle featuring brand founder Sacha Lichine’s signature along with the brand’s traditional marks as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. The special edition 20th vintage will be available across the U.S. beginning in March, with the release making its debut at the South Beach Food & Wine Festival through a party hosted by the brand at The Versace Mansion in Miami. Chateau d’Esclans, part of the Moët Hennessy USA portfolio, was at 609,000 cases in the U.S. in 2024, according to Impact Databank, and posted a 0.4% decline in IRI/Circana channels last year through December 28.

Festival FêCopacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, celebrates summer with the 3rd edition of Provence Brunch, in partnership with prestigious rosé Whispering Angelte

By Hashtagcuritiba 

The renowned Copacabana Palace hotel, in Rio de Janeiro, hosts the 3rd annual edition of Provence Brunch, which celebrates the richness of French culture through haute cuisine, in partnership with one of the most prestigious rosés in the region, Whispering Angel, from the Château d’Esclans winery.

Since November 2025, the event has delighted the public on selected Sundays, always at the elegant Pérgula restaurant. It returns on February 8, with its final edition scheduled for March 22.

Whispering Angel, a label tasted during the experience, is the best-selling rosé de Provence in the world, winning many admirers for its light, delicate and elegant In the mouth it is refreshing, while on the nose it brings characteristics of red fruits with floral notes.

Produced from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle, grown near the Esclans Valley and the Côtes de Provence region, the wine begins with the night harvest to preserve the fruits. After rigorous selection and delicate pressing, it is fermented in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperature, with bâtonnage twice a week. The process ends with careful cooling, preserving its vivacity and characteristic aromas.

At Provence Brunch, it is possible to experience the elegance and freshness of the label in perfect union with the haute cuisine of Copacabana Palace, making Sunday afternoons even lighter and more unforgettable.

ABOUT BELMOND

Belmond was born out of a passion for connecting discerning travelers with the world’s most extraordinary properties, destinations, and journeys. From hotels and trains to river cruises and safari lodges, Belmond’s Slow Luxury invites guests to discover a new pace of travel, where they can enjoy time, engage with local culture, and connect with nature and the people around them through unparalleled experiences and unforgettable stories. With a legacy of more than 45 years, since the acquisition of the Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has grown to become a global collection of 44 properties spread across 25 countries and territories. Exceptional destinations connected by legendary journeys are at the heart of Belmond, where the path to reach a place is as important as the destination itself. A pioneer in the concept of slow travel, Belmond has operated the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express since 1982. Over the years, it has expanded its portfolio to include pristine beachfront resorts such as Maroma in the Riviera Maya, historic retreats such as Villa San Michele at the foot of the hills of Florence, urban icons such as the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, and portals to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Hotel das Cataratas in Iguazu National Park, in Brazil. As a custodian of iconic properties, Belmond is committed to preserving the past to build a new legacy: the heritage of the future. Working collaboratively with local communities, regional talent, and some of the world’s most respected chefs, designers, and artists, Belmond continues its mission to perpetuate the legendary art of travel. Since 2019, Belmond has been part of LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), the largest luxury group in the world.

About Château d’Esclans

Located northeast of Saint-Tropez, in the Côtes de Provence region, the Château d’Esclans winery is recognized worldwide for its excellence in rosés. The property underwent a decisive transformation in 2006, when businessman Sacha Lichine acquired it with the aim of starting the so-called “Rosé Renaissance”. Alongside Patrick Léon, renowned French winemaker, Lichine repositioned the drink within the market and turned it into a symbol of global prestige.

The Maison’s authenticity is especially present in its production process, which combines tradition and innovation: from the harvest of the grapes, which preserves their intense flavors, to its exclusive fermentation method. Among the labels are the versatile Rock Angel and the sophisticated Château d’Esclans and Garrus, as well as the iconic Whispering Angel.

Since 2019, Moët Hennessy, LVMH’s wine and spirits division, has incorporated this selection into its portfolio, alongside the likes of Moët & Chandon and Dom Pérignon. The entry into this group further expanded the international visibility of the Provence region, consolidating it as a great reference in rosés.

Whispering Angel Unveils Its 2Oth Vintage

The brand that inspired the global rosé Renaissance celebrates an enduring legacy like no other

Remarked as the world’s number one rosé, Whispering Angel proud ly celebrates its 20th vintage in 2025 with the momentum and unmistakable confidence that has defined the brand since 2006. A milestone that marks two decades of leadership and category-defining excellence, Whispering Angel’s 20th Anniversary is more than just a date in the calendar, but a celebration of an enduring legacy and vision for the future of rosé.

Sacha Lichine founded Whispering Angel in 2006 with a bold intention: to bring rose to greatness. Since its inception, Whispering Angel sparked the global Rosé Renaissance, elevating an entire category of wine into a symbol of luxury, status and French joie de vivre. Today, it continues to lead
with sustained sales growth, and the charisma that has made the brand a global icon. Clear, vibrant and culturally fluent, Whispering Angel remains the preferred French rosé world -over and the benchmark against which every other rosé is measured.

Founder’s Statement: “I am pleased to say that this is among the best vintages of Whispering Angel we’ve made. Both delicious and aromatic.” Sacha Lichine.

Sacha Lichine’s original whisper has become a global promise: a promise of excellence, prestige, and innovation. Two decades an, that intimate begi nni ng has been reinterpreted for the 20th vintage release.

V7ineicaker Bertrand Lóon said of the anniversary vintage, “The 20th anniversary vintage is expressive and precise. revealed throuqh a balance of ripeness and fresh ness. with delicate notes of citrus and red fruits that add clarity and depth. On the palate. The wine opens smoothly with a silky. well-defined texture. Its ever-present freshness adds structure and dimension. leading to an energetic, lively finish.”

The new anniversary La bel is refined and collectible, and features Sasha Lichine‘s signature alongside the iconic V7hispering Angel brand ma rk – the angels of Chateau d’Esclans that have become its ambassadors to the world. Designed to stand out on shelf and in spire pride wherever it appears, the label reflects both heritage and modernity.

To mark the brand’s milestone. Whispering Angel is proud to be kicking off a year of celebrations with the unveiling of a speciaI edition artwork, composed of 20 visuaI stories, each representing a chapter in the Whispering Angel journey – people, places, and moments that sha ped the world’s most influential rosé.

The Whispering Angel 20th vintage will be poured at the most exclusive venues globally and will be available in stores starting in early March.

To kick off this milestone, Chateau d’Esclans is hosting a party at The Versace Mansion in Miami in partnership with South Beach Food & Wine Festival, setting the tone for a weekend of thoughtfully curated experiences and celebratory moments. The celebration will continue throughout the weekend with exclusive moments. culminating in an elegant tribute dinner honoring Sacha Lichine at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

Pink Power

How Whispering Angel turned Rosé into a global luxury icon

By Kelly Henry

Renowned as the world’s number one–selling rosé, Whispering Angel is marking a milestone. With the release of its 2025 edition, it is celebrating the wine’s 20th vintage.

Two decades ago, rosé was “poo-pooed” among wine connoisseurs, as a silly summer indulgence; pleasant, pink, but rarely taken seriously. Today, Whispering Angel is proof of how far the category has come, not only reshaping the perception of rosé but also helping ignite what is now described as a global Rosé Renaissance.

From its origins at Château d’Esclans in Provence, France, Whispering Angel has turned the pale pink wine into a symbol of French “joie de vivre!” It has also established it as the benchmark for premium rosé.

The wine has sustained major global sales growth while keeping a lock on its position as the number one rosé worldwide and the number one French wine in the United States.

At the heart of this sweet success story is vino visionary and winemaker Sacha Lichine. Sacha, often called the “Architect of the Rosé Renaissance,” made it his life’s work to elevate rosé to the same level of reverence as the world’s great wines. What followed was a masterclass in quality, positioning, and patience.

“Since the beginning, Sacha Lichine had a vision to redefine rosé, but it was always first of mind that the quality needed to be the ‘Best in Class.’” says Paul Chevalier, Vice President at Château d’Esclans. “So, I think the wine speaks for itself, the bone-dry, pale, elegant style. As we say in the business, ‘the wine is in the bottle’.”

What appears to set Whispering Angel apart is the way it was introduced to the world. “I think it’s important to note how we positioned Whispering Angel; it wasn’t just another wine (in our case ‘rosé’…) entering the market; it became a symbol of status, quality, and luxury while remaining attainable and approachable,” Chevalier explains. “It was a wine for everyone to enjoy with very few barriers. That balance allowed the wine to resonate widely and pioneered a new way of thinking about rosé.”

This idea of “accessible luxury” proved to be revolutionary! “We created an accessible luxury which sparked the ‘rosé revolution’ and reshaped the category’s image,” Chevalier continues. “Rosé is no longer strictly associated with casual, warm-weather sipping, but rather a year-round staple.”

That shift did not come easily. Lichine and Chevalier say they had their fair share of resistance and were at times outright dismissed. “Early on, the biggest resistance was the perception that rosé was casual, seasonal, and not made to be taken seriously. Cheap and cheerful. One had to get used to people saying no. Many viewed it as a simple summer wine not worthy of investment, collecting, cellaring, etc.”

But Château d’Esclans would not be dismissed before it ever had time to breathe. “Over time, we have challenged that notion with our commitment to quality, precision, and consistency,” says Chevalier. “Now, rosé from Provence is the benchmark of quality.”

The introduction of more elevated and layered wines, like as Château d’Esclans’ own “Les Clans” rosé, played a critical role. “This shift of perception began with more sophisticated and complex styles of rosé… which now opens the door into the prestige wine category,” adds Chevalier.

And nowhere did that door open wider than on Palm Beach, which seems to have embraced Whispering Angel as part of its popular “pink” lifestyle. “Palm Beach is vibrant, sophisticated, social, with a deep appreciation for quality,” says Chevalier. “A place where people want the ‘best of the best’. Whispering Angel is a natural extension of that lifestyle.”

The alignment is inevitable. Whispering Angel seems to mirror Palm Beach’s polished yet relaxed approach to luxury. “Our meticulous techniques and dedication to excellence result in a complex, rich wine that mirrors the community’s idea of luxury,” Chevalier notes. “Whispering Angel fits naturally, not as a seasonal pleasure, but as a year-round staple, consistently enjoyed by those who see luxury and leisure as part of everyday life rather than a temporary escape.”

There is also deep cultural at play, says Chevalier. “There is also something iconic about the Whispering Angel brand that reminds me a little bit of the beautiful connection back in the 1960s in Palm Beach between Jacqueline Kennedy and the designer Lilly Pulitzer. Shaping American fashion with good taste (no pun intended). In a similar way, a glass of Whispering Angel in one’s hand is a natural fit for Palm Beach.”

Some say Palm Beach is the reason rosé now has a place at the table, literally and figuratively. “The popularity among the Palm Beach community allowed consumers to see Whispering Angel through a new lens: a year-round indulgence rather than a seasonal trend,” Chevalier explains. “Traditionally, rosé lived in a narrow window: summer, vacation, poolside, etc. Palm Beach challenged that notion.

“Whispering Angel appears just as naturally in the middle of January, at weekday country club dinners, or evening galas, as it does on a sunlit terrace. The consistency reflects a different relationship to the wine; one that feels routine versus seasonal.”

As Whispering Angel celebrates its 20th vintage, the future, according to Chevalier, is rooted in the same principles that sparked the revolution in the first place. “It’s all about deepening our commitment to excellence, and that is seen with every vintage,” he says. “We were founded on innovation and visions that were ahead of their time.”

And he says the brand continues to move forward with its treasured team, “For example, Partick Léon, who brought innovative winemaking techniques to Château d’Esclans and Sacha Lichine, who believed there was untapped potential in the rosé category.” Chevalier adds, “With every vintage, we have refined our process and have created something even better than what preceded it.”

Looking ahead, Whispering Angel is showing no signs of withering on the vine. “Looking ahead, I see Whispering Angel remaining at the forefront as benchmark rosé; one that continues to resonate with consumers (and all generations) who value excellence and consistency,” Chevalier says. “Our vocation is to continue to lead with education about the virtues of rosé from Provence. There is still so much to be done as we share our passion for winemaking. And that is something to smile about.”

As Whispering Angel celebrates its 20th vintage, the future, according to Chevalier, is rooted in the same principles that sparked the revolution in the first place. “It’s all about deepening our commitment to excellence, and that is seen with every vintage,” he says. “We were founded on innovation and visions that were ahead of their time.”

And he says the brand continues to move forward with its treasured team, “For example, Partick Léon, who brought innovative winemaking techniques to Château d’Esclans and Sacha Lichine, who believed there was untapped potential in the rosé category.” Chevalier adds, “With every vintage, we have refined our process and have created something even better than what preceded it.”

Looking ahead, Whispering Angel is showing no signs of withering on the vine. “Looking ahead, I see Whispering Angel remaining at the forefront as benchmark rosé; one that continues to resonate with consumers (and all generations) who value excellence and consistency,” Chevalier says. “Our vocation is to continue to lead with education about the virtues of rosé from Provence. There is still so much to be done as we share our passion for winemaking. And that is something to smile about.”