Caves d’Esclans Garrus 2023

Chateau d'Esclans in the Cotes de Provence is the estate behind the modern rise of fine rosé, led by Sacha Lichine, and Garrus is its flagship wine. It is built mainly from old vine Grenache with Rolle, picked from low-yielding vineyards on the clay and limestone soils of the estate, where a warm Mediterranean climate is cooled by altitude and night air. Unlike most rosé, Garrus is fermented and aged in large oak barrels, with regular stirring of the lees. This lees ageing releases mannoproteins that build a rich, creamy texture, while the oak gives slow oxygen exchange and a fine note of spice and vanilla rather than heavy wood. The colour is exceptionally pale, almost silver pink. The nose shows ripe strawberry, white peach and a subtle vanilla and mineral edge, and the palate is dry, broad and structured, with fresh acidity carrying the weight of 14.5% alcohol to a long, savoury finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a white wine glass and decant if young. It pairs with roast chicken, grilled lobster, veal and hard cheeses.