Welcome to Voices, where we sit down with the people behind the brands shaping global luxury—from fashion houses and iconic hotels to the vintners and visionaries transforming how we celebrate. In this edition, we uncork the story of one of the most talked-about rosés in the world. We meet Paul Chevalier, Vice President and Global Marketing Director at Château d’Esclans, the estate behind Whispering Angel and a portfolio of Provence wines that have come to define modern elegance in a glass.

From his first love affair with Burgundy to helping create the world’s most beloved rosé, Paul shares the stories behind the bottle, the moments that matter, and how luxury is evolving in the world of fine wine.

What first drew you to the world of fine wine and spirits, and what continues to inspire you about working at Château d’Esclans?

I discovered wine as a young man in Burgundy, specifically in the village of Pommard—and it was love at first sight. I went on to study winemaking and viticulture at the University of Reims before joining the winemaking team at Champagne Veuve Clicquot.

What’s different about what we’re doing today at Château d’Esclans, with wines like Whispering Angel, is that we have the freedom to innovate and create styles of rosé that never existed before. We’re still so young—we’ll be celebrating our 20th anniversary next year—which gives us the space to write the story as we go. That’s not only inspiring, it’s creatively liberating.

How would you describe the essence of luxury when it comes to the Château d’Esclans rosé portfolio?

The vision of Sacha Lichine in 2006 was to create the greatest rosés in the world. I truly believe we’ve achieved that. Sacha is also the king of luxury branding in wine.

But a big part of what makes a product feel luxurious is who’s drinking it, and where. We’ve cultivated a kind of cult following—people in the know. You’ll find our rosés in the world’s most exclusive destinations, from top-tier hotels to private islands. So yes, let’s just say Whispering Angel often finds itself somewhere like Mustique.

What do you think sets Whispering Angel apart from other brands in the luxury space?

Whispering Angel strikes a unique balance—it’s luxury, but it’s approachable. Think of it as affordable luxury. There’s also something deeply inclusive about it. It resonates across generations and invites new consumers into the world of wine. No matter who you are, its taste profile delivers instant satisfaction. That’s actually pretty rare.

How do you approach storytelling for a brand with such a rich heritage while keeping it relevant for modern consumers?

We focus a lot on education. That’s key to keeping the connection, especially with younger generations. But the story has to go beyond the wine—it has to touch life itself.

If you can make people feel something, they’ll remember you. At Château d’Esclans, we like to say: We make friends, we shake hands, and we sell wine. It’s personal.

In your experience, what role do celebrations and shared experiences play in the success of the Château d’Esclans brands?

Champagne will always be the classic wine of celebration—but when Château d’Esclans launched in 2006, we began to show that rosé could also mark a moment.

I once hosted over 400 activations in a single year in the U.S. alone, all with a rosé theme, to highlight how elegant and versatile it can be. That played a big part in spreading the word and reshaping the perception of rosé—from a seasonal sipper to a wine of occasion.

How do you see luxury evolving in the wine and spirits world, and how is Whispering Angel adapting to those changes?

Luxury today is all about being real and authentic. For Whispering Angel, that means continuing to focus on what’s inside the bottle.

And the proof is there—our 2024 vintage might be the best Whispering Angel we’ve ever produced. Quality and authenticity are what create staying power. Trends fade, but truth endures.

What’s one bottle from the Château d’Esclans collection that always feels special to open, no matter the occasion?

Our Château d’Esclans estate rosé. It’s a limited cuvée that truly expresses the terroir of our hillside vineyards. It has richness, elegance, and a kind of joyful complexity.

It’s mid-priced for a fine wine, which means you don’t hesitate to open it—even on a whim. And when you do, you feel that joie de vivre. That’s happiness in a bottle.