Rosé is not just the trendy wine of the 21st century. When the Greeks planted the first grapevines in Provence 2,600 years ago, they were already making rosé! This was because wine-making techniques in those days were different: the method of macerating red grapes, which gives red wine its color, was unknown or, at the least, very uncommon. Wine made from red grapes was therefore rosé. In other words, Provence is the oldest wine region in France, and rosé is the oldest known wine!
Located in southeastern France, with its boundaries being roughly the Rhône River to the west, Italy to the east, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, Provence has a varied, yet primarily limestone landscape, with a climate that is sunny, hot, and dry, characteristic of the Mediterranean. Their famous Mistral winds ferociously sweep across the region from the Alps, which is welcomed during the summer months. It also protects the vineyards from diseases caused from humidity.
Phocaeans brought the grapevine to the area around 600 BC. The ingenious Romans came some four centuries later with their roads, arches, and numerals, spreading the wine growing tradition to other parts of France, which at the time was known as Gaul. When the Roman Empire died, so did the grapevines.
A mind-boggling 88% of wine produced in Provence is rosé, with only 8.5% red and 3.5% white. Approximately 96% of all Provencal wines are made in three appellations: Cotes de Provence, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, and Coteaux Varois en Provence. Provence represents 39% of domestic rosé production and 5.6% of the world’s production. 16% of Provence’s rosé wine is exported, with the United States of America being the biggest buyer, followed by the Belgians.
Les Sarrins Rosé set out to leverage Bruno Paillard’s expertise in the region to produce a wine that is Pure Provence; a wine that shows off the best attributes of this appellation, making it synonymous with the greatest rosé in the world. Only grapes from the top parts of the AOP are selected for their production.
Chateau d’Esclans, a magical property, is situated in the heart of Provence, northeast of St. Tropez. With his acquisition of the Château in 2006, Sacha Lichine’s vision was to create the greatest rosés in the world, igniting the “Rosé Renaissance”. Now in its sixteenth vintage, Château d’Esclans is home to Whispering Angel, and we’re introducing you to their newest wine; The Pale Rosé by Sacha Lichine.
Think Pink!
Carrie Upson- General Manager
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Les Sarrins Côtes de Provence Rosé |
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Region/Country of Origin: Provence, France |
About the Winery: Half way between the foothills of The Alps and The Mediterranean, Domaine des Sarrins nestles in the hills of Haut Var, near Lorgues, in a small village called Saint Antonin du Var. It is set in over a hundred hectares of pine and oak woods and olive groves, which surround small islands of vines, planted where the undulating hills allow. Respect for the land is, for the Paillard family, a philosophy, not a marketing ploy. The “organic viticulture” certification they achieved is a coherent choice. The vines and Château des Sarrins are all worked without the use of weed killers, with a special focus on plowing, and the use of certified natural fertilizers only. About the Winemaking: A blend of Mourvèdre, Rolle, Cinsault, Grenache. Vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks at moderate temperatures and then cooled to avoid malolactic conversion producing a bright, crisp wine. Once the grapes arrive at the cellar, they are sorted manually and then go through optical eye sorting. All grapes which go into vinification are perfectly de-stemmed and resemble each of the correct physical characteristics dictated by the winemaker. Tasting Notes: Color: Pale pink in color, pale rose petals, bright and clear. Aroma: Fine and delicate, with white fruit aromas combined with citrus notes and floral nuances. Taste: The attack is ample and fresh with notes of peach, strawberry, and a long finish with violet notes. |
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Winemaker: Jonathan Martinet |
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Price: $21.99 btl/ $237.50 |
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Suggested food pairing: Oysters on the half shell, Bouillabaisse, BBQ pork ribs |
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The Pale Rosé by Sacha Lichine 2021 |
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Region/Country of Origin: Provence, France |
About the Winery: Château d’Esclans is located on an exceptional site on the Mediterranean coast. The first traces of the château’s site date back to the times of the Gauls, when it served as a lookout point to spot intruders coming by boat into the Gulf of Frejus. The château’s cellar structure (the oldest in the region) housed an original Château in 1201. The current château, whose design is inspired by a Tuscan villa, was built during the mid XIX century. About the Winemaking: From the best terroirs from the Var Region, The Pale rosé is made from grapes sourced from amongst the most choice vineyards in the region. Harvesting is conducted during the night time to avoid the heat of the day and to keep the crop fresh. The Pale is vinified in temperature controlled stainless steel fermentation tanks, remaining on the lees in order to give extra texture to the juice. Tasting Notes: Aroma: An expressive wine both inside and out and bears great aromatic freshness on the nose. Palate: This rosé wine has subtle, fruity notes with hints of peach and pink grapefruit. Its elegant palate pairs perfectly with its colorful and playful label. FInish: While The Pale is bone dry, the finish is soft and creamy with undeniable elegance. |
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Winemaker: Jean-Claude Neu |
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Price: $17.99 btl/$194.30 case |
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Suggested Food Pairing: Arugula salad with strawberries and goat cheese, Garlic herbed clams, Herb roasted chicken and buttery mashed potatoes. |
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