Chase to make Provence rosé

William Chase, founder of Chase Vodka, is to move into wine, having acquired a vineyard in Aix en Provence.

Speaking at the launch of the Chase Terrace at Harvey Nichols in London last night, 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 Domaine Ott and Château d’Esclans and would like to do a similar thing in terms of launching a premium rosé at the top end,” Chase added.

Chase said he was drawn to making rosé over red for its easy drinking, celebratory aspect. “Most rosé is made to be drunk within a couple of years, which appeals to me,” he told db.

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, we’ll see.”

Chase also revealed that he’s experimenting with different bottle shapes at the moment, keen to do something distinctive and different 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 (pictured) is patented.