Rock Angel Chateau d'Esclans Côtes de Provence Rosé 2022

Description

From the same stable as Whispering Angel producer Château d’Esclans, the benchmark for Provence Rosé, Rock Angel is a more serious, food friendly Rosé with a cult following. The rolling hills of southern Provence provide the backdrop for the picturesque Chateau d’Esclans. It’s the sort of place that begs you to sit on its sun-drenched terrace with a glass of cool rosé. Nestled amongst the gnarled Grenache vines, the site and chateau were fully renovated in 2006 by new owner, Sacha Lichine. It is the old vines that really set this estate apart from its neighbours, with the higher elevated sections of the vineyards housing up to 90 year old vines, giving the wines a depth and structure that makes for some imaginative food pairing. Along with Grenache, small amounts of Rolle (Vermentino) and Cinsault are added to the mix.

Lightness of touch is important here; the grapes are hand-picked and very lightly crushed at low temperatures. Rock Angel has been barrel fermented in large 600l demi-muids (oak barrels) and is a more complex wine than the straight Whispering Angel. 

Rock Angel is rich and racy on the palate. The use of partial oak aging adds a creamy feel and texture to this wine, and the flinty minerality embues it with another layer of complexity.

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