You have probably noticed that rosé wine has steadily been growing in popularity. What was once a drink you might only enjoy while on holiday in the summer has now become a year round choice for wine lovers.
This growth has been down to an overall improvement in quality - it has coincided with a shift away from sweeter styles to drier, more elegant examples. Another factor is the photo-friendly colour. This is especially true in the USA, where rosé sales have grown enormously, driven by brands pushing an aspirational lifestyle with rosé at its centre.
France remains the largest producer of rosé wine in the world and has set the template for what a modern rosé should be. The Côte de Provence established itself as a region dedicated to the style and it's popularity has seen many other winemakers seek to emulate the pale colour and refreshing acidity that make it so appealing.
Rosé is still a summer essential, and can be very versatile to match with food.
We've collected some of our favourites and new arrivals to offer you a sensational selection of rosé wines from France, Austria, Portugal and beyond.
The focus is on refreshment and the wines here are dry and crisp. They retain the structure of a dry white while adding a juicy dollop of summer berry fruit. So if you're looking to enjoy more rosé or keen to discover something new, then something in this selection is ideal for you.
Estandon Le Rollier
A treat for fans of Provence style Rosé. This beautiful pale wine is made on the Mediterranean coast by a cooperative of growers from across the region, which is also famous for the beautiful Rollier bird. The quality of their fruit provides this crisp dry wine with aromas of white peach, citrus and a hint of red summer fruits. This is an elegant and effortless wine best served chilled and enjoyed over a plate of grilled langoustines with friends!
Chateau L'Escarelle Les deux Anges Rose
Chateau de L’Escarelle are one of the most prestigious wine estates in the heart of Provence, with 100 hectares of organically certified vineyards set in 1,000 hectares of beautiful woodland. Subtle and elegant with wild strawberry and citrus fruit on the nose. The palate is clean and fresh with beautiful smoothness and pink grapefruit and cranberry notes. If you're looking for the Whispering wine that has become so popular, this is your in-the-know choice to go one better. (It is even called The Two Angels and who knows what they might be saying to each other. Lean in to this to find out.)
This would be lovely with fish tacos.
Amie X Rose
This is a new project borne out of Covid 19 lockdown from Will Sandbach, Abbie Roden and Hermione Underwood. Their tagline is ' A wine for friends, by friends' and they've collaborated to bring us this delightful Provence-style rose from Languedoc in the South of France.
The very stylish and Instagram friendly bottle contains a super appealing wine made from a blend of organic Grenache and Cinsault. On the palate it is light and crisp with citrus and strawberry characteristics. One to be seen with - but would also be great with a seared tuna steak.
Judith Beck, Pink
Judith Beck is winemaker driven by her desire to create wines that reflect the place they are made - she lives at her vineyard. Her rose is made with local grapes Zweigelt and Blaufrankisch, using a holistic approach and biodynamic techniques. Dominated by red cherries, raspberries and light peaches, it's crunchy and dry with great acidity and a hint of spice on the finish. I'd go for this if you're wanting a bit more complexity in your wine. It'd pair well with a plate of charcuterie.
False Bay, 'Whole Bunch' Cinsault Mourvedre Rose
Named after South Africa's most iconic bay, which frames much of the country's premium winelands, the False Bay range of wines use grapes from mature vineyards. Made with minimal intervention and fermented with wild yeast, this is a pale, spicy and textural rose mostly sourced from bush-vine Cinsault with summer fruits on the palate and a lovely clean, savoury, dry finish. Pair with BBQ veggie skewers.
Izadi, Larrosa Rioja Rosado
Izadi is an innovative and modern winery in Rioja Alavese. The Grenache fruit for this wine comes from old vines planted at the highest altitude in Rioja. Aromas of strawberry, raspberry and red cherries combine with notes of white peach and apple. Refreshing acidity on the palate leads to a crisp, elegant and surprisingly long finish. This one is a little stronger at 14.5%, so best suited to sipping with some paella as the sun sets.
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