Often shunned as the least serious of the wine varieties, Rosé is having a moment. As the weather warms, there’s simply no better time to turn to these brilliant blushes. Provence is undoubtedly the champion region for rosé wine with the best examples showing zippy acidity, a generous bouquet of red berries and grapefruit, and a light but not absent body.
However, we have seen great rosé come from vineyards as near as the Cornish coast and as far as Lebanon. We favour dry varieties, steering clear of anything overly sweet. Colour can vary from the palest hint of pink to darker rosés. Be careful not to over chill and you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing, full flavoured wine with a surprising depth and interest.
When temperatures in the UK tip into the mid-twenties, Sainsbury’s sees sales soar by 30 per cent, in comparison to white wine which increases by only 20 per cent. Although we typically think of rosé as a summer drink, it actually works very well all year round as an aperitif.
1. Mirabeau Pure Provence Rosé, 13%: £12.99 for 75cl, Waitrose
An award-winning rosé, picking up a Gold medal at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris 2017, as well as being crowned one of the top 10 rosés in the world by The Drinks Business in 2016. We think Mirabeau makes for a perfect aperitif with its very pale, delicate flavour, made from some of the highest regions in the area.
2. Clos de l'Ours Grizzly 2015 AOP Côtes de Provence, 14%: £14.30 for 75cl, Le Petit Ballon
This wine is produced by a British family who upped sticks and moved from London to a small village in the heart of Provence to embark on their own wine adventure. Believing that nature should be left to take its course, this organic rosé is grown with minimal intervention on their 13 hectare vineyard. A pleasantly full bodied rosé (hence the "Grizzly") and a great all-rounder. We enjoyed this fresh style alongside a Sunday lunch of roasted lamb.
3. Chêne Bleu Rosé, 13%: £18.50 for 75cl, Honest Grapes
As temperatures rise, you’ll want to turn to this Provençal pink to cool you down. With a well-structured body and a refreshing crisp finish, expect notes of summer berries, and juicy citrus. This traditional vineyard hand pick all the grapes that go into each bottle, believing a low-intervention approach results in the most delicious wine.
4. Massaya Rosé, 13.5%: £18.50 for 75cl, Honest Grapes
One of the most exciting rosés we’ve tried is this Massaya from Lebanon. It’s a blend of syrah and cabernet grapes, which creates a Southern French style, but with the addition of a light spicy note. The vineyard is located 1,800 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest in the world.
5. Fortnum & Mason Sancerre Rosé, Andre Dezat: £17.50, Fortnum & Mason
Sancerre is known for its crisp, light and fresh taste – exactly what you want to drink in the sun. This elegant version from Fortnum & Mason uses red pinot noir grapes, which results in a juicy strawberry flavour profile. A lovely option if you’re looking to impress your hosts.
6. Château Léoube Secret Rosé: £20 for 75cl, Daylesford
Awarded a gold medal at the World Rosé Awards, the Léoube is anything but a secret. The organic blend of grenache, cinsault and cabernet-sauvignon grapes result in a crisp, dry finish with subtle notes of pear. This is a good option to enjoy with food, pairing well with grilled meats, fish and salads.
7. Chapel Down English Rosé, 10%: £10 for 75cl, Sainsbury's
If you could bottle the great British summertime, this would be the result. This excellent English rosé is a great match for roast lamb or BBQ meats. Produced in Kent, expect a strong strawberry aroma, yet a crisp acidity - making for a very refreshing wine that’s ideal for a summer’s day.
8. Camel Valley Pinot Noir Rosé, 12%: £13.99 for 75cl, Waitrose
Recently awarded a Decanter Gold Medal, this vibrant rosé is produced in the Cornish countryside from 100 per cent pinot noir grapes. It’s light and easy drinking but with delicate, juicy red fruit on the palette, making it a good choice with most food – as long as you’re dining al fresco.
9. Coteaux Varois en Provence, 13%: £8.50 for 75cl, Marks & Spencer
A great value bottle from Provence, this aromatic blend of cinsault, grenache and syrah grapes make for a refreshing option that’s perfect with seafood. The beautifully shaped bottle is a good example of Provencal style - you’ll want it to take pride of place on your dining table.
10. Make me Blush Rosé: £14.99, Make Me Blush
Swimwear designer Veronica joked to her wine-producing Italian father that the only way she’d get into the wine business is if he made her a Rosé – so he did. This sophisticated style from Piemonte, Italy is good fun – we can certainly imagine enjoying a bottle (or two) with the girls next time the sun is shining. The handy bottle top makes this a great option for picnics too.
11. Château Barthès Rosé 2015 Bandol, 13.5%: £13.99, Majestic
Within Provence, the sub-region of Bandol produces fantastic French rosé. You’ll find this has more of a robust body than your typical Provencal wines, with red fruit and an aromatic perfume. The unusual blend of mourvedre, grenache and cinsault grapes results in a well-rounded rosé with just the right level of acidity. Try this top end style with grilled tuna steak and fresh salads.
12. Berry Bros & Rudd Provence Rosé by Château la Mascaronne, 13%: £12.95, Berry Bros. & Rudd
This beautiful light-pink rosé has a longer finish than you might expect from its delicate colour. Fresh peach, a touch of herbs and a delicate lemon acidity make this the ultimate al fresco aperitif. Or perhaps it’s due to the vineyard’s position overlooking the Mediterranean. A very enjoyable summer tipple.
13. Hush Heath Nannette’s English Rosé 2016, 11%: £15, Hush Heath
Another delicious Kentish rosé, this English wine is named after the wine maker’s daughter, Nannette. A complex wine for the price, you’ll be rewarded with ripe berries, lemon, grapefruit and aromatic lavender. Importantly this pairs very well with food – try it with both meat and fish.
The Verdict: Rosé wines
Proving that Provence isn’t the only place to find great rosé, we were delighted with the English offerings we sampled. If you’re looking for something a bit different, you won’t be disappointed with the Lebanese Massaya Rosé, while the Mirabeau Pure is a perfect example of a classic French blush.
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