2023 Chateau D'Esclans, Whispering Angel Provence Rose Magnum
Regular price £45.00 Save £-45.002022 Domaines Ott Clos Mireille
Regular price £41.80 Save £-41.802016 Domaine des Masques, Syrah 'Exception'
Regular price £30.20 Save £-30.20ABOUT THE WINE
An olive-grove since the time of the ancient Gauls, the plateau near Aix-en-Provence upon which Le Domaine des Masques rests was settled by the Knights Templar of the Order of Provence in the Middle Ages. Vines were first planted in 1992, and in 2003 the estate was bought by Carl and Sophie Mestdagh. The vineyards are tended according to organic principles, although the estate has not sought certification. With duties in the cellar overseen by the famous Rhone winemaker, Yves Cuilleron, the estate is in excellent hands, and producing exceptional wines.
TASTING NOTES
Destemmed and fermented without pressing, using natural yeast; the wine undergoes extensive pump-overs to extract tannin and colour, and then aged in barrel for a year prior to release. Rich, full-bodied and concentrated, with blackcurrant, blackberry and oak-spice on the palate. The finish is punctuated by white-pepper and plum nuances.
FOOD PAIRING
Excellent with feathered game or a vegetarian stew.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The region has a long history of growing medicinal plants; and has always been a haven for healers, herbalists and sorcerers; masco in the Provencal dialect, which have given the estate its name.
2018 Domaine des Masques, Syrah Cuvee Exception
Regular price £29.00 Save £-29.002023 Les Quatre Tours, La Colline, Provence Rose
Regular price £24.70 Save £-24.70ABOUT THE WINE
Nestled between the Mediterranean and the Alps, in the heart of Provence, lies the picturesque Les Quatre Tours estate. As the setting that inspired Van Gogh and Cézanne, this idyllic region has been home to the production of exceptional, rich, and opulent wines for over a century. Les Quatre Tours' 2022 La Colline is their Certified Organic, higher-end rosé, embodying the essence and vibrant colours of southern France.
TASTING NOTES
A radiant, blush pink hue captivates the eye, while the nose delights with a lively bouquet of zesty grapefruit, tangy green apple, and luscious red fruits. Revel in the impeccably balanced, refreshing taste as fruity notes of pomegranate, sun-kissed strawberries, and succulent grapefruit waltz across the palate. A dry finish, accentuated by a refined minerality, leaves an unforgettable impression.
FOOD PAIRING
While exceptional as a standalone treat, this luxurious Provence rosé also pairs beautifully with sumptuous dishes like seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc, a vibrant heirloom tomato and burrata salad, or a refined lobster risotto—each dish harmoniously elevating the wine's exuberant character.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This sophisticated rosé makes a stunning aperitif for your next soirée or an elegant companion to refined hors d'oeuvres.
2018 Domaine des Masques, Chardonnay Cuvee Exception
Regular price £24.40 Save £-24.402022 Chateau D`Esclans, Whispering Angel Provence Rose
Regular price £21.50 Save £-21.50ABOUT THE WINE
Château d’Esclans is located on an exceptional site, on elevated land near the Gorges de Pennafort, twenty-five kilometers northwest of the ancient Roman city of Frejus on the Mediterranean coast. Some 3.2 million bottles of Whispering Angel were sold in over 100 countries around the world in 2016; and the brand has gone from strength to strength since. More astonishing is the fact that, despite the huge volumes produced, with grapes sourced from growers throughout Provence, the quality remains undimmed.
TASTING NOTES
Harvested during the serene Provençal dawns, meticulously de-stemmed and fermented exclusively in stainless steel. Temperature regulated to prevent oxidation. 'Bâtonnage' (the agitation of the lees sediment in the tank) is performed bi-weekly to enhance the wine's velvety texture. Enticing aromas of delicate red berries, crisp and vibrant on the palate, with an elegantly refined mouthfeel.
FOOD PAIRING
Superb as a standalone aperitif, or with shrimp ceviche and artisanal bruschetta; ideal for a beachside gathering.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Through this label, the Cave d'Esclans has transformed Provençal rosé into a chic trendsetter.
2019 Domaine des Masques, Rouge Cuvee Essentielle
Regular price £19.60 Save £-19.602018 Domaine des Masques, Blanc 'Essentielle'
Regular price £19.60 Save £-19.60ABOUT THE WINE
An olive-grove since the time of the ancient Gauls, the plateau near Aix-en-Provence upon which Le Domaine des Masques rests was settled by the Knights Templar of the Order of Provence in the Middle Ages. Vines were first planted in 1992, and in 2003 the estate was bought by Carl and Sophie Mestdagh. The vineyards are tended according to organic principles, although the estate has not sought certification. With duties in the cellar overseen by the famous Rhône winemaker, Yves Cuilleron, the estate is in excellent hands, and producing exceptional wines.
TASTING NOTES
Harvested a little earlier than the Exception, to preserve the fresh fruit-character of the wine. Vinification is in sealed vats to limit exposure to oxygen. Delicate citrus, peach, apple and pear aromas; fresh yet full-bodied on the palate.
FOOD PAIRING
An excellent aperitif, also perfect with grilled fish. A lovely wine with a cold lunch-spread.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The reductive (oxygen-free) winemaking allows for the bare minimum of sulphur to be used in this wine.
2023 Les Quatre Tours, Estrelia, Provence Rose
Regular price £16.00 Save £-16.00