CAVES D'ESCLANS

Caves d’Esclans, located near Fréjus in the heart of Côtes de Provence, is one of the world’s most influential rosé producers and a true pioneer in elevating rosé wine to the realm of fine, collectible luxury. Founded in 2006 by Sacha Lichine, son of the famed Bordeaux figure Alexis Lichine, the estate quickly gained international acclaim for its visionary approach to Provençal winemaking. Lichine’s goal was to redefine rosé — transforming it from a casual summer beverage into a wine of depth, texture, and ageing potential. To achieve this, he partnered with the late Patrick Léon, the former winemaker at Château Mouton Rothschild, whose expertise helped establish a new benchmark for quality and style in rosé.

The estate’s origins date back to the 12th century, with the current château built in the 19th century, nestled among gently rolling hills and chalky, gravelly soils ideally suited for growing Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Vermentino (Rolle). The combination of high-elevation vineyards, meticulous viticulture, and precise cellar work — including hand harvesting, temperature-controlled fermentations, and judicious oak use — allows Caves d’Esclans to craft wines of purity, elegance, and exceptional finesse.

The winery’s range showcases a clear hierarchy of expression. Whispering Angel, the flagship and global icon, is celebrated for its bright, dry, and delicately fruity profile, offering notes of strawberry, peach, and citrus. Rock Angel brings more structure and depth, with partial oak ageing enhancing texture and complexity. Les Clans comes from old-vine Grenache and undergoes fermentation in French oak barrels, resulting in a creamy, layered, and Burgundian-styled rosé. At the pinnacle sits Garrus, crafted from 80–100-year-old vines and fully barrel-fermented — a wine of profound depth, minerality, and longevity that has become one of the world’s most luxurious rosés.

In 2019, LVMH (Moët Hennessy) acquired Caves d’Esclans, further elevating its global reach while maintaining its dedication to craftsmanship and terroir expression. Today, the estate stands as a symbol of modern Provence, blending innovation and tradition to produce rosé wines that are as refined and expressive as any of the world’s great whites or reds. Through its groundbreaking approach, Caves d’Esclans has not only redefined the perception of rosé but has also become synonymous with the elegance, prestige, and artistry of fine wine.