Château l'Escarelle sommelier trip
Spring 2026
In March, a group of sommeliers gathered in the heart of Provence for an immersive visit to Château l'Escarelle, with one clear purpose: to discover the new 2025 vintage rosés and experience first-hand the philosophy behind the Escarelle project ahead of London's peak rosé season.
The visit began with a tour of the winery led by winemaker Alexandre Griveau, whose passion and precision set the tone for the trip. Among the highlights was an interactive blending session, where each guest was invited to create their own 2025 blend from Provence's three red grape varieties: Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah. The exercise offered a deeper understanding of balance and structure, culminating in Alexandre judging the wines for their harmony and ageing potential.
A comprehensive tasting followed with Sales Director Marineka Matiakh, sparking insightful discussions around the positioning of Provence rosé on restaurant lists and the continued growth of the category in the UK market. It was a timely reminder of the versatility and enduring appeal of these wines.
Highlights included:
The Château L'Escarelle – the benchmark of the range. The group identified this as a great "by the glass pour" exhibiting elegance and generosity of fruit.
The group stayed on site in the estate’s charming gîtes, nestled beneath Montagne de la Loube. Surrounded by nature, the setting was tranquil; punctuated only by birdsong and, perhaps, the distant call of a wolf.
The evening was a particular highlight, with a private chef crafting a special menu to complement Escarelle’s delicate rosé range.
The second day brought an exploration of the estate’s organic vineyards by electric bicycle. From the lower Palm plots near the winery to the higher-altitude parcels dedicated to Deux Anges, the journey showcased the diversity of Escarelle’s terroir. A stop at the estate’s butterfly garden - home to over 90 species - offered a vivid demonstration of their commitment to biodiversity and sustainable viticulture.
Highlights included:
Deux Anges, a bottle of which Victor kindly carried in his rucksack during the cycle ride. Representing the pinnacle of Château de l'Escarelle's range, it showcases remarkable precision, structure and length. Sourced from the estate's highest vineyards, Deux Anges is the perfect choice for those looking to elevate their Provence rosé experience.
In a nod to the approaching Mother's Day, guests created fragrant sachets using herbs de Provence gathered from the surrounding woodland, thyme and rosemary filling the air with their unmistakable aroma. The trip concluded in true Provençal style with a friendly game of pétanque, accompanied by a final glass of Escarelle rosé - an elegant and fitting end to a memorable visit.
By Simone Williams, Brand Manager, Alliance Wine.
View the full range of wines from Chateau l’Escarelle here
