Château d'Esclans - Whispering Angel Rosé 2025
Located in La Motte, in the Var hinterland, just a few kilometers from Fréjus and Saint-Tropez, Château d'Esclans has established itself as one of the major references for great rosés of Provence. The contemporary history of the estate took a decisive turn in 2006, when Sacha Lichine set out to revolutionize the image of rosé by demonstrating that it can reach the same levels of demand and refinement as great white wines. With the help of oenologist Patrick Léon, he developed a range of cuvées based on precise blends, rigorous grape selection, and a constant pursuit of elegance. Whispering Angel, whose name evokes the angels sculpted in the estate's chapel, quickly became the most famous expression of this ambition. Made from a selection of grapes from different terroirs of the Côtes de Provence appellation, it embodies a decidedly contemporary style, characterized by a very pale color, great aromatic purity, and remarkable freshness. Its international success has greatly contributed to making Provençal rosé a wine appreciated throughout the year, far beyond just summer occasions. Today, Château d'Esclans belongs to the LVMH group, which continues to develop this signature that has become emblematic of high-end rosés.
The Whispering Angel 2025 is mainly made from Grenache, complemented by Cinsault and Rolle, also called Vermentino, in a blend seeking balance between fruity expression, finesse, and liveliness. Grenache forms the backbone of the cuvée, bringing generosity and delicate red fruit aromas, while Cinsault contributes to the softness of the texture and aromatic lightness. Rolle completes the ensemble with its freshness, citrus nuances, and floral finesse. The grapes come from selected parcels in the Côtes de Provence appellation, on terroirs benefiting from Mediterranean influence and favorable conditions for homogeneous ripening. The harvest is conducted with particular attention to the freshness of the berries, then the grapes are quickly transported to the winery to limit oxidation and preserve their most delicate aromas. After rigorous sorting, gentle pressing extracts lightly colored juices, which are then vinified at controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks. This method favors aromatic clarity, fruit purity, and preservation of the wine’s natural freshness. Aging in tanks preserves the immediately appealing character of Whispering Angel, without any wood influence, giving rise to a dry, precise, and harmonious rosé, faithful to Château d'Esclans’ signature.
Château d'Esclans Whispering Angel 2025 stands out with a very pale pink, luminous, and delicately salmon-colored robe, which has become one of the visual signatures of the cuvée. Its bouquet is fresh and refined, dominated by aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, and white peach, accompanied by hints of pink grapefruit and spring flowers. Upon aeration, subtle touches of lemon zest and white-fleshed fruits should enrich this aromatic palette, bringing an impression of delicacy and purity. On the palate, the attack should be supple and elegant, with a silky texture that quickly gives way to a lively and perfectly balanced freshness. Flavors of crunchy small red fruits continue with notes of citrus and fresh peach, while a discreet mineral sensation underlines the precision of the whole. The body maintains a beautiful finesse, without excess concentration, revealing a rosé whose charm rests above all on the harmony between indulgence and lightness. The finish, clean and refreshing, should leave a pleasant fruity persistence, accompanied by fine citrus bitters. Particularly attractive in its youth, Whispering Angel 2025 will be enjoyed both as an aperitif and at the table, with sea bream carpaccio, grilled prawns, tuna tartare, Mediterranean vegetables, or delicately spiced Asian cuisine. Its balance and versatility make it an accessible gastronomic rosé, ideal for accompanying convivial moments as well as the most refined meals.
Grape varieties: Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle (Vermentino), and Syrah
