Domaines Ott

In my second of two tasting videos from a recent trip to Provence, The Wine Bird, Helena Nicklin, and I taste Domaines Ott Clos Mireille Blanc de Blancs 2011 with Ott's export manager Christophe Renard on the beach near to the estate in Côtes de Provence. Renard talks through the history of the iconic Ott bottle, while Nicklin recommends some food matches for the wine. The Mistral wind cheekily tried to steal the show, so please bear with us...

Chase swaps vodka for rosé

William Chase, founder of Herefordshire-based Chase Vodka, is to move into wine, having recently bought a vineyard in Aix en Provence. Speaking at the launch of the Chase Terrace at Harvey Nichols in London last week, Chase told the drinks business: “I’ve been keen to do a wine for a while and rosé is the perfect fit for us, plus Provence is a lovely part of the world.” 

“I’m really impressed with whay they’re doing at Château d’Esclans and Domaine Ott, and would like to do a similar thing in terms of launching a top end rosé,” Chase added, admitting he was drawn to making rosé for its easy drinking aspect. “Most rosé is made to be drunk within a couple of years, which appeals to me,” he said. 

Asked what he is to call his new estate, he said: “I’m toying with the idea of Domaine Chase, but I might call it something completely different.” Chase also revealed that he is experimenting with different bottle shapes at the moment, keen to do something distinctive to give the wine a signature. Bottling laws are relaxed in Provence, with a number of different shapes and sizes permitted, though Domaine Ott’s signature amphora shape is patented.