The Château d’Esclans domain is an exceptional site, extending itself on a hillside near to the Pennafort gorges in the Var region. The château is inspired from the grand villas of the Tuscany countryside; it was built in the middle of the nineteenth century and bought by Sacha Lichine in 2006. This wine producer of Russian origins, past owner in the Margaux area, of the Château Prieuré-Lichine, has decided to produce high level classified rose wines in the Côtes de Provence denomination. Within the domain, the main grape variety is the Grenache, followed by the Rolle and completed by Cinsault, Merlot, Mouvèdre, Syrah and Tibouren. Some of the vines are 90 years old of age for the oldest ones. Ancient Grenache vines and their grapes posses a great concentration of aromas. 80% are harvested by hand, the reason being a qualitative one; the most elaborate cuvees, Garrus and Les Clans, are matured in oak casks.
The two upscale cuvées of the Château d’Esclans are “Les Clans” and “Garrus“. These rosé wines are the most emblematic ones; they are very sophisticated, particularly delicate, close to perfection. They are wine with a beautiful intensity, limpid, with real tannins and a solid constitution, a beautiful length in mouth, leading off to complex notes of fruits and profound aromas.
The 2011, 2012 vintages have to be drunk now, or in five years, as an aperitif or accompanying a starter or main dish or a desert.
Rose wines are finally being recognized for their real value, they can now be considered as worthy of being Grand crus…
