War of the Rosés
For many of us, pink wine in glasses is a signal that summer is on its way.
From pretty peach to striking salmon pink, rosé is light, fruity and low in tannins making for a very quaffable wine and a great partner tor light food, especially in the warmer weather.
Initially made popular by UK holidaymakers hopping over to the South of France, for a long-time rosé was considered as a less serious wine. It has since improved in quality and diversity and subsequently grown in popularity.
It is near impossible to speak of rosé without mentioning France. Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon still lead the rosé production but are no longer the only places to look. Recent summers in the UK have created the opportunity for a new wave of rosés from our own vineyards, producing lighter, refreshing wines – a good reason to buy local and to support our winemakers.
With over 1,000 bottles of rosé available to buy, the team at Winebuyers has selected their top three bottles from both France and the UK to help you drink pink.
French Rosé
Puech Haut Prestige Rose 2018, £19.50
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Grapes: Grenache, Cinsault
ABV: 13%
As spectacular on the palate as it is in the bottle, pretty, vibrant notes of white peach, white flowers and salty minerality all emerge from the 2018 Prestige Rosé. A wine of real impact and drama, it stays balanced and layered on the palate and is an incredibly versatile rosé to drink.
Château L’afrique, Famille Sumeire, Cotes De Provence Rosé, France, 2018, £19.99
Region: Provence
Grapes: Syrah, Shiraz, Grenache
ABV: 13%
A very pale rosé, which is both bright and beautiful in the glass, it exhibits nuances of rosewood, with an intense and rich perfume of crisp apples and passionfruit. A gentle and refreshing style of rosé, which instantly recalls memories of sunshine and deck chairs.
Vin, Rose, Château De Miraval Rosé 2018, £14.67
Region: Provence
Grapes: Cinsault, Grenache
ABV: 13%
Pale pink in colour and boasting delicate floral, melon and wild strawberry aromas, it’s easy to understand why this is a popular rosé as soon as you start to pour your first glass. Produced on the Miraval Estate, which is jointly owned by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, with tangerine and peach notes providing a zesty freshness. The ideal rosé for a warm spring evening and a hot summer’s day.
UK Rosé
Aldwick Estate – Mary’s Rose 2018, £12.00
Region: Somerset
Grapes: Pinot Noir, Solaris, Regent
ABV: 11.5%
Salmon pink in colour, with lychees and soft red fruits on the nose, this is an aromatic and dry rosé. With light citrus flavours and a hint of pineapple on the palate, this wine is produced on the Aldwick Estate in North Somerset, where they have been producing wine since 2013. A wonderful rosé to sit back and relax with in the warm English sunshine.
Lyme Bay Winery – Pinot Noir Rosé – 2018 Vintage, £16.99
Region: Devon
Grapes: Pinot Noir
ABV: 12.6%
A single varietal Pinot Noir Rosé from the award-winning West Country Lyme Bay Winery, intense aromas of cherries, rosehip and strawberries and cream can be found. On the palate this wine shows good length and mouthfeel, with a refreshing acidity driven by redcurrant, cranberry, rhubarb and strawberry flavours. This is best served when very lightly chilled.
Renegade London Wine ‘Jock’ 2018 English Rosé, £24.00
Region: London
Grapes: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
ABV: 12%
Produced from a cutting-edge urban winery based in Bethnal Green, East London, this is a delicate English rosé. Pale in appearance, with soft summer berries and orange blossom aromas and naturally tangy flavours on the palate.
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