By Rick Riozza
You know we haven’t covered any French Rosé in this hot desert summer of 2023. So we thought we’d chime in with a couple—perhaps three—of our favorite pretty-in-pink wines.
Not only are the rosé juices of these wines so colorfully inviting, but you’ve got to give praise to the producers/marketers, whose labels on the bottles almost sell the product itself. You’ll remember the recent wine marketing statistic which indicates that almost 37% of all women who purchase wine at the markets, so choose by the look and the art of the label. (On the other hand, as to the male buyers, most declined and even refused to comment on such a “frivolous” inquiry—and please stop bothering these guys as well!)
Anyway—back to The Beach and The Pale. And we probably couldn’t start with any reasonable discussion on these two wines without talking about their “older” and “wiser” sibling on the rosé market: Whispering Angel. Every rosé quaffer is a “wine whisperer” when it comes to this ubiquitous and over-arching rosé brand seen at most fancy patio parties, open houses, and appearances at the chic establishments of French perfume, jewelry, and any other objets de désir.
Hey! the wine is wonderful—fresh, crisp, and refreshing. Just last year, this column wrote as to the just released 2021 Whispering Angel release, since there are so many rosés out here and you vino voters are so savvy when it comes to your pink quaff. For starters, the aroma—a beautifully pale pink, which is pleasing to the eye and draws one in. Palate—fresh red berry fruit characteristics with floral notes. Ripe and fleshy feel on the palate. Finish—great concentration… smooth and round finish.”
So as you’ve probably deduced by now—yes, The Beach and The Pale are produced by the same winery as Whispering Angel: Château d’Esclans. And behind this Château is the very famous French family wine name: Alexis Lichine, called “the Pope of Wine”, and since 1951, the Margaux Grand Cru Bordeaux, Château Prieuré-Lichine was linked to that of the Lichine family for nearly half a century. Sacha Lichine, Alexis’ son, is now known as “the King of Rosé—with his Château d’Esclans ownership and production.
Here are their own words: “Chateau d’Esclans, is incredibly excited to introduce a change to the iconic rosé. “The Palm by Whispering Angel” has been renamed “The Beach by Whispering Angel. Begin your journey down the road of rosé with The Beach by Whispering Angel. This authentic rosé from Provence operates as a playful, trendy, energetic “little sister” to Whispering Angel.”
“The Beach, around $21, is expressive both inside and out as it shows great aromatic freshness on the nose including aromas of red berries with hints of lime and melon followed by more subtle, fruity notes on the palate. The finish is fresh and round with a light and long peach, citrus flare. Clear & very expressive. The colorful and playful label has been called “almost as perfect as the rosé itself”. Signed and approved by Whispering Angel.”
“The Beach, transforming the identity of our iconic rosé, all while preserving our authentic Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence wine; we have been inspired by our planet. It is only right that with The Beach’s commitment to sustainability, beach preservation, and more, we show the world that the same love and care that goes into each bottle should go into protecting our planet, pink sand beaches and all, for generations to come.”
“The Pale, around $15, frorn in the Var region of Provence, made for a sophisticated rosé drinker and offered at the value level of quality Provence rosés. Sacha Lichine has once again redefined the category. crafted by renowned wine maker Bertrand Leon.”
“The grapes come from the best vineyards that grow parallel to the Mediterranean Coast. As a result, this wine is strongly influenced by the fresh sea air of the French Riviera. The salty, sun-drenched soils give the wine a dry yet fruity character.”
Named after its transparent, pink color, The Pale derives its name from Londoners calling for a fresh glass of rosé at the bar. Further, the New Yorker Magazine-style art on the label is fun as the company’s marketers wish to whisk you away to the Roaring Twenties.
This rosé wine has subtle, fruity notes with hints of peach and pink grapefruit. Its elegant palate pairs perfectly with its colorful and playful label. While The Pale is bone dry, the finish is soft and creamy with undeniable elegance.
Back to company’s PR: “Sacha introduced new and innovative winemaking techniques to Provence which revolutionized the styles of rosés being produced from this region. The Pale embodies all the characteristics of an authentic Rosé from Provence. It is expressive both inside and out and bears great aromatic freshness on the nose followed by more subtle, fruity notes on the palate.
Tasting Panel writes: Aromas of candied orange peel and mineral-kissed white flowers are clean and inviting. Pink grapefruit is washed by a meringue sweetness and tempered by cherry pith. The dynamic streak of crushed stone races across the palate, with melon and lilac on the finish.”
Chill it up!! Cheers!
