From the outset, he was certain that his destiny lay in wine. What he did not foresee, however, was that he would become the catalyst for something far greater: the new renaissance of rosé wines. Since 2006, Sacha Lichine has had the honour of holding this prestigious title, which suits him perfectly. Just a small sip of Caves d'Esclans Rock Angel is enough to confirm it.
Far more complex and structured than its counterparts, Caves d’Esclans Rock Angel is the ideal choice for rosé enthusiasts, thanks to the meticulous care taken in its production. With this wine, Sacha Lichine elevates rosé to another level. If he puts effort into the rest of his wines, Caves d’Esclans Rock Angel receives even more attention, with grapes sourced from La Motte (a commune in Provence) undergoing a triple selection process at the winery. With such rigorous standards, it is rare for a bunch that does not meet the minimum requirements to make it into the fermentation tank. After all, this stringent classification is merely the final link in a much longer chain that begins in the field and the vineyards. At Caves d’Esclans, all vineyards are cultivated with respect, aiming not to compromise the future of a land where wine is more a religion than a trade. The goal is always to preserve the authenticity of the sandy and red clay soils that are abundant in the area, as well as its vineyards, where Grenache and Vermentino are indigenous. For Caves d’Esclans Rock Angel, the grapes are harvested at dawn, avoiding the intense heat of the Mediterranean climate, and the boxes (weighing no more than 10 kg) are swiftly transported to the winery to maintain the coolness and integrity of the grapes.
Caves d’Esclans Rock Angel goes directly to the press, where the grapes are crushed cold and using nitrogen, always striving to preserve all the primary aromas and flavours of the grape (those it brings from the field). Only the first must from the press is transferred to the stainless steel tanks and the demi-muids where Caves d’Esclans Rock Angel will ferment. This latter material, less common in rosés, gives Caves d’Esclans Rock Angel a much more complex profile than its counterparts. Part of this authenticity also lies in the ageing on lees, where Caves d’Esclans Rock Angel will spend approximately half a year before bottling.
The next time someone tells you that rosés lack character, silence them with Caves d’Esclans Rock Angel, the wine that—despite its name—doesn't need wings to make you soar.