Readers of THE GLOSS joined Chateau d’Esclans for a Summer Rosé Tasting at Hugh Brown’s restaurant on Level 3, Brown Thomas. With the sun shining outside, we enjoyed the first sips of summer with three delectable rosé wines from the Chateau d’Esclans estate.

On arrival, guests were presented with a glass of Rock Angel, the older sibling of Whispering Angel. THE GLOSS Wine Editor Julie Dupouy welcomed guests and spoke about the history of Chateau d’Esclans and its founder, Sacha Lichine, who when establishing his estate wanted to create rosé wines that could stand up against more traditional white or red wines often preferred by wine connoisseurs.

THE GLOSS Wine Editor Julie Dupouy.

As guests were seated, the staff of Hugh Brown’s restaurant poured the second glass of the night, Château d’Esclans 2019, which was paired with beetroot cured salmon, pickled fennel and dill cream. The eponymous estate wine, a complex and elegant rosé with all the sophistication of a Blanc de Blancs champagne, is made from Grenache and Rolle (Vermentino) and brings together the different approaches used to craft these wines which are made using both stainless steel and barrel fermentation, giving it a unique cross between freshness and complexity making it a full style rosé. Featuring predominately floral notes followed by red berry fruit, with a touch of vanilla and pear, it has a smooth and creamy texture that is rich and long on the palate.

Next up was Garrus, paired with roast supreme of chicken, garden peas, smoked Alsace bacon and champ mash, which is widely considered Château d’Esclans’ finest wine – and many of our guests were in agreement with this statement. As Julie explained, Garrus is made from a single vineyard of nearly 100-year-old vines and it has flavours of dried citrus, pear and pineapple, and a creamy finish of rich, spicy notes. Entirely fermented and aged in new large French oak barrels, the powerful and elegant Garrus was at the heart of Sacha Lichine’s vision in 2006 to make rosé grand. Today Garrus is firmly established as a world class, iconic luxury rosé.

Finally, served alongside a cheese board of both Irish and French cheeses, Les Clans was poured for guests. It is safe to say that Château d’Esclans is the only rosé producer to be able to achieve this style of wine with such concentration. In a blind tasting, most sommeliers and wine experts would guess it is a White Burgundy like Meursault or Chassagne-Montrachet. Approachable when young, yet a rosé which can be aged. Guests compared notes and favourite bottles as Julie made her way around the room to answer questions.

To finish the evening, as DJ Mo Kelly continued with her set, guests were presented with a goodie bag featuring a half bottle of Whispering Angel and a Rathborne 1488 candle from Brown Thomas, before having a chance to explore the rosés on offer in Brown Thomas. The overall favourite of the night for many was the iconic Garrus, retailing at €128 a bottle, Julie explained that limited allocation in Ireland means very few bottles exist here, with Brown Thomas being one of the exclusive stockists. We’ll be surprised if there are any left after our guests took to the shop floor…

Click into the gallery below to see all the guests who attended.

Photographer: Sasko Lazarov.

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