These are the best British rosé wines
From a Provence-style pink wine whipped up in the Cotswolds to a sparkling option from East Sussex, these are the best British rosé wines…
Words: Jonathan Wells
The red, white and blue of Britain is giving way to red, white and pink. Last decade saw a boom in homegrown winemaking, with everything from East Sussex chardonnays to British bacchus being bottled, sold and sipped. But now that last colour, the blushing pink, is having a further awakening of its own — with British rosé wines rising rapidly in popularity.
We’ve stepped down into the Gentleman’s Journal cellar to discover some of the best bottles on offer. So, from a a Provence-style wine whipped up in the Cotswolds to a sparkling option from the south coast, here are the top options if you’re looking for a rosé from our pink and pleasant land…
Simpsons Wine Estate Railway Hill Rosé
Where’s it from? Near Barham, in Canterbury. Founders Charles and Ruth Simpson have established 30 hectares of vineyards on the iconic chalky terroir of the North Downs, and this bottle may be their best.
Which grape varieties? Simple, sophisticated, cheerful and a perennial favourite, the Railway Hill Rosé is created from 100% estate-grown Pinot Noir — a choice that gives this wine a charming Provencal style.
Flavours and aromas? There’s a surprising amount of fresh, fruity flavours here — notes of tropical lychee and watermelon you wouldn’t normally expect from a British wine. Also clean stone fruits, such as peaches and nectarine.
Harvey Nichols Cotswolds Pinot Rosé 2019
Where’s it from? The rolling green hills of the South Cotswolds. Created for iconic department store Harvey Nichols, this delicate, blushing English rosé hails from the family-run Woodchester Valley Vineyard.
Which grape varieties? Pure Pinot Noir Précoce; an early ripening form of Pinot Noir that Woodchester Valley pick from their three vineyards, nestled among the valleys of Stroud. It affords the wine a zesty, zingy flavour.
Flavours and aromas? Pink grapefruit and lemon to begin with, before the tangy touches of raspberry sorbet and rhubarb hit. The finish offers rounder, softer strawberry notes — with a surprising saline hit to end.
Renegade Urban Winery GTS Squared Rosé 2017
Where’s it from? Technically, this isn’t a British wine — as the grapes are sourced from England, Spain and Italy. But the magic happens closer to home; with Renegade conjuring up the ‘GTS Squared’ in a railway arch in East London.
Which grape varieties? The British base is Seyval Blanc, sourced from England. But there’s also Tempranillo and Grenache from Spain — and some Syrah from Italy. Pressed in those arches, the wine is fermented using airborne London yeast.
Flavours and aromas? It’s nothing like an airy Provence rosé. There’s a fruity complexity to this one; with its several grape varietals jostling for position on your tastebuds. Strawberry elbows through as the prevalent aroma.
Gusbourne Pinot Noir Rosé Twenty Twenty
Where’s it from? Gusbourne is one of Britain’s more established boutique wineries. Based by Ashford, the team source grapes from 60 hectares at Gusbourne Estate in Kent and 30 hectares in West Sussex.
Which grape varieties? As the name suggests, this is a rosé that relies on the deep, dark richness of the pinot noir grape. It’s a solid, traditional choice — and one that affords the vividly coloured rosé a berry-forward flavour.
Flavours and aromas? Aside from that clutch of summer berries — we got redcurrant, raspberry and blueberry — there’s also a citrus start to this rosé. But the best, most British part? Hints of floral, pastoral wildflowers.
Chapel Down English Rose 2020
Where’s it from? Another of Britain’s bigger wineries, Chapel Down can be found close to the picturesque market town of Tenterden. It has vineyards across Kent, but also sources grapes from Hampshire and Essex.
Which grape varieties? This is another dry rosé — cleverly named ‘English Rose’ — created using mostly pinot noir. There are also touches of ‘rondo’ and ‘regent’ grapes in this bottling, adding a depth of fruity flavour.
Flavours and aromas? Strawberries, raspberries and — oddly — sherbet. Couple this with a crisp hit of citrus and you’ve got one of the most refreshing rosés on this list. Pair it with barbecued meat and summer salads.
Oxney Organic Estate Pinot Rosé
Where’s it from? The 35 acres of vines that make up the Oxney Estate, just outside Rye in East Sussex. Sitting on well-draining sand and silt loam, the place is teeming with the microbial life essential to organic grape growing.
Which grape varieties? Simply Pinot Noir; grapes grown in a pocket microclimate that help to create one of the tastiest vegan-friendly wines we’ve even sipped. The organic growing process adds a delicate touch to this rosé.
Flavours and aromas? On the nose, it smells like it’s going to be a tangy one — with lemon, rhubarb and cranberry coming through. But take a sip, and it’s more subtle; crisp and refreshing raspberry and strawberry.
Off The Line Hip Rosé
Where’s it from? 32 biodynamic acres in East Sussex; lush species-rich pasture lands where the Off The Line team has planted disease-resistant grapevines and constructed a purpose-built cedar clad winery.
Which grape varieties? 100% Pinot Noir. With 2020 being an exceptional year, producing wonderfully ripe grapes, the winemakers whole-bunched pressed the fruit and stirred it less than they usually would.
Flavours and aromas? Provencal in style, the ‘Hip Rosé’ is as sophisticated and trendy as its name suggests. Expect that classic combination of stone fruit, floral touches and redcurrant — with a savoury finish.
Nyetimber Rosé
Where’s it from? The greensand and chalk soils of Nyetimber — a winemaker that owns ten vineyards across West Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. This sparkling rosé benefits from the British climate, allowing for slow ripening.
Which grape varieties? That that textbook Champagne blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Handpicked at the optimal time every year, the grapes are gently pressed to extract maximum flavour.
Flavours and aromas? Boasting a beautiful, sunset pink colour, this bottling has creamy brioche notes, barrels of rich red berry flavours — and an intriguing touch of spices ranging from anise to lavender.
Want more fizz? These are the champagnes to uncork this summer…
Become a Gentleman’s Journal member. Find out more here.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
