Château d’Esclans

A Magical Estate in The Heart of Provence

About Us

Château d’Esclans, a magical property, is situated in the heart of Provence, northeast of St. Tropez overlooking the Esclans Valley with the Mediterranean coast in the faint distance. The vision of Sacha Lichine with his acquisition of the Château in 2006 was to create the greatest rosés in the world igniting the “Rosé Renaissance”.

Our Winemaking Process

The château’s cellar structure or foundation (known today as the oldest in the region) housed an original Château that was given by the Comte de Provence to Gérard De Villeneuve, in 1201. Château d’Esclans is located on an exceptional site, on elevated land near the Gorges de Pennafort, twenty five kilometers northwest of the ancient Roman city of Frejus on the Mediterranean coast. The first traces of the château’s site date back to the times of the Gauls during which its location served as a lookout point to spot intruders coming by boat into the Gulf of Frejus. The château’s cellar structure or foundation (known today as the oldest in the region) housed an original Château that was given by the Comte de Provence to Gérard De Villeneuve, in 1201. The current château, inspired by Tuscan Villa design, was built during the mid 19th century.

Château d’Esclans lies in the center of the Department of the Var, where the majority of Provence AOC rosé is produced. The land was occupied as long as 2500 years ago when it was probably used as a lookout point for intruders sailing into the Gulf of Frejus. The original château—of which now only the cellar remains—dates back to before the 12th century. In 1201, Gérard De Villeneuve, part of a wealthy family from Marseille, took ownership of the château and the majority of the surface area of the Vallée d’Esclans that would eventually be sold off in lots. Two brothers, Sauveur Louis Ranque and François Alexandre Ranque, were the next to own the château, known then as Terre d’Esclans.

In 1875, they sold the property to Joseph Toussaint Caussemille, who manufactured wooden matches near Marseilles. In 1955, the Perraud family owned the property until 1994. At that time, it was purchased by a Swedish pension fund that produced a small amount of wine and the remaining grapes were sold to neighboring winemakers. Sacha Lichine aquired Château d’Esclans in 2006. Today there are 345 acres (140 ha) of vineyards. The total property has 1,055 acres (427 ha).

The primary grape grown on the property is Grenache followed by Vermentino. Other grapes include Cinsault, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Tibouren. The château is known for its old Grenache vines which produce grapes that offer greater concentration of flavor than do the younger vines. As the elevation to where the lots are situated increases, so do the age of the vines. At the highest elevated lot vines are as old as 90.

As a négociant and vinificateur (winery), Caves d’esclans identifies vineyards, grapes and wines from Château d’Esclans as well as local growers to make what has reputedly become the world’s greatest rosé. As our objective is to obtain the best quality grapes and wines, we have created relationships with the local grape growers, committed beside Caves d’Esclans, whose vineyards are treated with the same high standards of quality as are the vineyards of Château d’Esclans.

The Palm di Whispering Angel

Begin your journey down the road of rosé with The Palm by Whispering Angel. Made from Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan, this authentic rosé from Provence operates as a playful, trendy, energetic “little sister” to Whispering Angel. The Palm is expressive both inside and out as it shows great aromatic freshness on the nose followed by more subtle, fruity notes on the palate. The colorful and playful label has been called “almost as perfect as the rosé itself”. Signed and approved by Whispering Angel.

Our Winemaking Process

Harvesting

Château d’esclans harvesting takes place from sunrise to noon to avoid the heat of the day. During the harvest, grapes that are selected and picked are put in small (10 kilo) crates which are deliberately that size in order to prevent grapes placed at the bottom of the crates from getting crushed. Caves d’esclans Whispering Angel grapes are handpicked harvested.

Sorting

Once the grapes arrive to the cellars, they are sorted manually and then go through optical sorting. All grapes which go into vinification are perfectly de-stemmed and resemble each of the correct physical characteristics dictated by the wine maker including shape, size, color and general condition. This is verified by an optical eye which is programmed to detect whether grapes ‘make the grade’.

Cooling & Pressing

The grapes are then sent through the heat exchange system which reduce their temperature from what can be as high as 29 degrees c down to 7-8 degrees c followed by a soft press which produces 3 grades of what is primarily free run juice.

Barrels & Vats

Subsequently, depending on which grade of juice the press produces, the wine makers determine which will be used to make barrel fermented (aged) wine or stainless steel fermented wine.

Wine Lab

Laboratory testing and analysis is conducted throughout the vinification process.

Assemblage

Both Sacha Lichine and Patrick Leon oversee the blending for Chateau d’esclans and Caves d’esclans – Whispering Angel wines.

Whispering Angel

Whispering Angel is today’s worldwide reference for Provence rosé. Made from Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (Vermentino), its pale color is pleasing to the eye and draws one in. The rewarding taste profile is full and lush while being bone dry with a smooth finish. Highly approachable and enjoyable with a broad range of cuisine, Whispering Angel is a premium rosé that you can drink from mid-day to midnight.

Created by Sacha Lichine following his acquisition of Château d’Esclans in 2006, his vision was to create the greatest rosés in the world igniting the “Rosé Renaissance”. Sacha introduced new and innovative winemaking techniques to Provence which revolutionized the styles of rosés being produced from this region. This led to the creation of Whispering Angel, a world class rosé which presents both ease and accessibility making for enjoyment and pleasure.

Rock Angel

Rock Angel is partially barrel fermented in large oak barrels and made from Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (Vermentino). This rosé bears a more complex and structured taste profile than Whispering Angel bringing it into a more premium realm giving rosé lovers a bigger and richer wine that is fabulous as an aperitif or paired with a broad range of fine cuisine. If you like the minerality of a Sancerre, you will love this wine.

If you like the minerality of a Sancerre, you will love this wine.

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