Château d’Esclans redefines luxury rosé with innovation and tradition in the heart of Provence

Château d’Esclans, located in La Motte-en-Provence, France, has become a reference point for luxury rosé wine. The estate sits about an hour from the French Riviera, between Saint-Tropez and Cannes. Its vineyards stretch across more than 140 hectares in the heart of the Var region, an area with a long tradition of winemaking. The land has been cultivated for over 2,500 years, and remnants of a Roman watchtower still stand on the property’s highest hill.

The transformation of Château d’Esclans began in 2006 when Sacha Lichine, son of renowned wine figure Alexis Lichine, purchased the estate. Sacha Lichine brought a new vision to Provençal rosé, aiming to elevate it from a casual summer drink to a wine that could stand alongside the world’s most respected labels. His approach combined international experience with a focus on quality and innovation.

Central to this effort is winemaker Bertrand Léon, who inherited his expertise from his father Patrick Léon, a respected name in French wine. Bertrand Léon has worked at Château d’Esclans since its reinvention, balancing traditional methods with modern technology. Jean-Claude Neu, cellar master since 2006, oversees the production process from grape selection to barrel aging.

The winemaking process at Château d’Esclans is meticulous. Grapes—mainly Grenache and Rolle (Vermentino)—are picked by hand at dawn to preserve their freshness. They undergo both manual and optical sorting before being vinified at controlled temperatures without maceration. This method extracts only the purest juice. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks and large oak barrels known as demi-muids. For higher-end wines, bâtonnage (lees stirring) is used in the Burgundy style, followed by barrel aging.

Château d’Esclans produces several notable rosés. Whispering Angel is recognized for its balance and accessibility and has become one of the world’s best-selling rosés. Rock Angel offers more structure and mineral notes. Les Clans is fermented in barrels and is known for its complexity and gastronomic appeal. Garrus stands as the estate’s flagship wine, made from vines over 80 years old and aged in new oak barrels for an extended period.

The estate’s wines have received high praise from critics such as Jane Anson, Matthew Jukes, and James Suckling. Their reviews highlight the finesse, freshness, and depth found in these rosés.

Château d’Esclans welcomes visitors who want to experience its history and winemaking firsthand. The estate offers tours that showcase both its ancient roots and modern facilities. Guests can walk through vineyards that have seen centuries of cultivation and taste wines that reflect both tradition and innovation.

Under Sacha Lichine’s leadership, Château d’Esclans has changed how rosé is perceived around the world. The estate’s commitment to quality has brought Provençal rosé to fine dining tables globally and established it as a serious contender among premium wines. The story of Château d’Esclans demonstrates how vision and dedication can redefine an entire category within the wine industry.