Alex's Article: Domaines Ott versus Whispering Angel

As summer is approaching, it is perfect timing to taste the most famous estates making rosè in Cotes de Provence.

James decided to organize a side-by-side tasting in Hong Kong of the well-known Domaines Ott, Chateau de Selle and Caves d’Esclans Sacha Lichine, Whispering Angel in order to help you make your selection for upcoming summer days. He was looking for his beach wine for 2014.

Domaines Ott, Chateau de Selle is made of cabernet sauvignon, grenache, cinsault and syrah. The vineyards benefit from a microclimate with mild winters as well as dry and warm summers. The grapes can therefore reach riper stages and provide an interesting fruit concentration. The chalky inland slopes where the vineyards lie bring complex and elegant mineral notes to the wine, giving Domaines Ott its singular identity.

Caves d’Esclans Sacha Lichine was established in 2006 and founded by the son of Alexis Lichine, former owner of Chateau Prieure-Lichine, Four Growth of Bordeaux 1855 Classification. The wine is made of a majority of grenache with smaller proportions of cinsault, syrah and mourvedre. As negociant-winemaker, they have created a great relationship with Cotes de Provence local winegrowers in order to select the best quality of grape for that Cuvee.

Tasting Notes:

2013 Domaines Ott Chateau de Selle Cotes de Provence, Provence, France

2013 Cave d’Esclans Sacha Lichine Whispering Angel Rose, Côtes de Provence, Provence, France

-AC