The Pale

Pale pink like the dawn over the Moorish mountains — The Pale from Château d'Esclans is the wine that has helped shape the worldwide image of Provence rosé.

Sacha Lichine bought Château d'Esclans in 2006 in the Var, the heart of Provence, and transformed it into a benchmark for dry, elegant rosés. The Pale is the entry point to his line—vinified cellar-fresh, with the aim of achieving a fine, creamy texture and a restrained color. The main grape variety is Grenache, complemented by Rolle (Vermentino), which lends the wine freshness and aromatic depth.

In the glass, it displays a delicate salmon color. The nose is refined: white peach skin, citrus blossom, and a hint of dried garrigue herbs. On the palate, it is light-bodied with lively acidity and a silky mouthfeel typical of Provence rosés of this class. The finish is short to medium-long, dry, and fresh.

• Food: Grilled vegetables, goat cheese, bouillabaisse, light pasta with seafood
• Temperature: 10–12 °C
• Drinking window: now, ideally within the next one to two years