Château L'Escarelle, Les deux Anges Rosé, AOP Côteaux Varois en Provence, 2024

Producer Profile

La Bastide Blanche is a family-owned estate in Sainte-Anne-du-Castellet, in the heart of the Bandol appellation.

Established in 1972, the estate produces red, white, and rosé wines with a focus on showcasing the unique character of the region’s terroir. Set against the foothills of the Sainte-Baume mountain range and just 7km from the Mediterranean Sea, the vineyards benefit from limestone scree soils and an ideal microclimate.

Viticulture

Chateau de l’Escarelle has 100ha of organically grown and certified vineyards, growing local varietals including: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Caladoc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rolle & Ugni Blanc. Their HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) certification level three means their vines benefit from being in a very biodiverse habitat, with minimal use of herbicides, pesticides and artificial fertilisers. Their vines also benefit from being planted at an altitude of up to 500m above sea level, lengthening the growing season. The hot dry summers in this Mediterranean climate are offset by the cooling effects of the Mistral wind.

Winemaking

Harvested by hand, the grapes are sorted not just once, but twice. Pressing and cold stabilization follow. The fermentation process is temperature-controlled at all times to help preserve the wine’s flavors and ensure it retains its subtle character. Aged on fine lees.

Tasting Note

In the autumn of 2015 they began building a new storehouse. The new premises, which boasts the very latest technology, operates alongside the more traditional wine-making facilities and cellars. To their great surprise, during the building work they uncovered two statues depicting a couple of cheerful cherubs! The wine ‘Les deux anges’ (the two angels) draws its inspiration from these statues. Subtle and elegant with wild strawberry and citrus fruit on the nose. The palate is clean and fresh with beautiful smoothness and mango and pomelo notes.

Food Matching

Best drunk as an aperitif or with Provençal dishes, fish or grilled meats.

Awards

Vinous 90 Points
The 2024 rosé Les Deux Anges is savory and complex, offering an array of thyme, sage, rosemary and white pepper on the peachy nose. Sparkling acidity tinkles on the tongue, but the 2024 stays between the lines, maintaining balance throughout the long, slightly taut finish. Well executed, and a marked improvement on the 2023 tasted last year. BN, 90 Points, June 2025.
Drinks Business
A seriously good, relatively-affordable, organic, unoaked rosé, Les Deux Anges from Château de L’Escarelle is a find for anyone seeking something other than the famous brands from Provence. Typically pale poached salmon pink with delicate aromas of white-fleshed fruit, the palate then reveals ripe notes of peach and apricot, followed by ruby grapefruit and a touch of refreshing bitter lemon. Lingering, zesty, but with some soft creaminess, this is a really appealing pink wine for sub £20. Drinks Business, June 2025