8 rosé wines to see you through the summer
Ensure you're drinking the very best through the warmer months this year
Words: Anna Spooner
When asked which rosé a person would like at a bar or restaurant, I increasingly hear ‘whichever is your palest.’ And although many pale rosés are delicious (I have included several below), paleness and quality are not the same thing and so often do people buy lower quality, well marketed wines with little flavour.
So, to help navigate the rose-tinted glasses world of the favourite summer wine I have discovered some of the finest rosés for this summer for every occasion. It’s been a hard job, but somebody had to do it…
Whispering Angel is famous the world over – popular with celebrities, served in some of the world’s most exclusive restaurants and bars. But not only is this wine ‘trendy’ but it’s lip-smackingly dry nature means that it’s dangerously easy to drink. And for the pale-ofiles, do not fear this is a delightful blush colour and won’t put off anyone who hunts for the light stuff, but is still packed with flavour. (And if you haven’t tried the sister wine Rock Angel – it’s well worth it!)
Buy Here – £16.99 at Waitrose Cellar
Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel, Côtes de Provence, 2014
New venture Garmence Wine Studio has just launched this simple, stylish and very drinkable blend, Rosé de Provence. This classic very pale beauty has light citrus notes and is perfect for drinking all day long… and it’s a little to easy to.
Rosé de Provence
This salmon pink rosé has delicate aromas of rosehip syrup, wild berry blossoms and cherries with a dash of white pepper. It is full flavoured and gives a slighter darker colour than some of its Provencal counterparts. However, with Côtes du Rhône being just a hop, skip and a jump north of Provence expect similar elegance and delightful raspberry notes.
Buy Here – £9.00 at Highbury Vintners
Boutinot, ‘Les Cerisiers’, Côtes du Rhône Rosé, 2015
For something more unusual, and utterly spectacular then turn your eye to English rosés. In particular, one of my favourites is from Camel Valley. English wines have been winning awards for years in sparkling but some really special still wines are coming out of the vineyards now, like this Cornwall cracker.
Buy Here – £12.99 at Waitrose Cellar
Camel Valley, Pinot Noir Rosé, 2014
Château Miravel is the famous rosé from Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, grown on their estate in France. It’s no doubt that they have invested in quality wine-makers (including the esteemed Marc Perrin) and it shows through this incredibly drinkable number. Expect typically mineral flavours balanced with beautiful citrus freshness to drink all summer.
Château Miraval, Provence, 2015
This Tuscan wine is a youthful fruity number but not at the expense of its freshness and mouthwatering dry aftertaste. This food is ideal for pairing with seafood or hearty chicken dishes over the summer which really make its raspberry notes shine through. Don’t be put off by the colour it’s dry and delicious.
Buy Here – £12.75 at Lea & Sandeman
Illarorio Rosato, Fattoria di Magliano, 2015
Made exclusively for Berry Bros & Rudd created by Château Mascaronne, it is a classic Côtes de Provence, made from a blend of Cinsault and Grenache grapes. Elegant and pale in colour but with real power, plenty of red berry character, and a satisfying herbal finish.
Buy Here – £12.95 at Berry Bros & Rudd
Berry Bros & Rudd Provence Rosé, 2015
Being a new world wine, you’re bound to get a deeper colour but the Pinot Noir in this blend not only adds that hint of redness from the skins but makes this a sophisticated rosé. It’s incredibly dry meaning it still has that lip smacking freshness of its french counterparts but has a little more length for you to really enjoy it.
Buy Here – £10.99 at Majestic Wines
The Ned Rosé, Waihopai River, Marlborough, 2015
To really wow your guests with something unusual then try this turkish delight. Expect exciting smells of citrus, pink grapefruit and red fruit and the classic strawberry and raspberry with a touch of ginger to taste. It’s beautifully acidic and would be a perfect partner for sushi.
Buy Here – £11.95 at Great Wines Direct
Kara Beyaz Kalecik Karasi Rosé, Turkey, 2015
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