Chateau 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 chateau's site date back to Gaullist times during which its location served as a lookout point to spot intruders coming by boat into the Gulf of Frejus. The chateau's cellar structure or foundation (known today as the oldest in the region) housed an original Chateau that was given by the Comte de Provence to Gérard De Villeneuve, in 1201. The current chateau, 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, Sauver Louis Ranque and Francois 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 108 acres (44 ha) of vineyards. The total proprety has 659 acres (267 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 years.
61d
France » Cotes de Provence
Chateau D'Esclans, Cotes de Provence Rose ''Whispering Angel'', 2018 “This has become one of the “must have” Roses from Provence, and the beautifully shaped bottled has
61dFrance » Cotes de Provence
“A rounded, rich rosé, this is full of strawberry and red-currant flavours that mingle comfortably together. Its acidity comes with a tangy touch of pepper
Decanter 92 " A pale, barely-there pink, with a pure, youthful nose, and a palate that is both fresh yet intense. Citrus-rinsed red currant fruits, with
“An irresistible pink! Charming, refreshing, refined, and with plenty of juicy, enticing, strawberry and berry fruit. This is a rosé that should be in everyone’s
Wine Spectator 90 "This elegant wine displays a sense of power behind the delicate flavors of dried cherry, licorice, cream and spice. Finishes with notes of
James Suckling 90 "A tangy white with light strawberry jam and lemon character. Full and crisp with a cherry skin, clean finish. Always delicious. Drink now." JancisRobinson.com
James Suckling 92 "A fresh and clean rosé with lots of fruit and structure compared to the 2013. It has more volume and roundness. This has
James Suckling 90 "A tangy white with light strawberry jam and lemon character. Full and crisp with a cherry skin, clean finish. Always delicious. Drink now." JancisRobinson.com
James Suckling 91 "This is lively with lots of peaches and light strawberries. Medium-to-full body, with bright and lively acidity. Citrusy. This is already sold out
Wine Spectator 88 "Robust, with dried red fruit flavors accented by herbal, minerally overtones. The firm, juicy finish is powered by hints of licorice. Drink now."
Wine Spectator 89 "Features a zippy frame, with orange zest and wet stone notes, while the core of watermelon rind and white cherry fruit hangs through
"An irresistible pink! Charming, refreshing, refined, and with plenty of juicy, enticing, strawberry and berry fruit. This is a rosé that should be in everyone’s
Wine Spectator 90 "Alluring, with a creamy feel to the mix of white peach, mango and white cherry fruit flavors that stay nicely defined on the
Wine Spectator 90 "Alluring, with a creamy feel to the mix of white peach, mango and white cherry fruit flavors that stay nicely defined on the
“An irresistible pink! Charming, refreshing, refined, and with plenty of juicy, enticing, strawberry and berry fruit. This is a rosé that should be in everyone’s
“An irresistible pink! Charming, refreshing, refined, and with plenty of juicy, enticing, strawberry and berry fruit. This is a rosé that should be in everyone’s
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