Rosé wine is enjoying a surge in popularity in the UK, according to CGA’s Wine Insight report. The data indicates that a third of consumers in Britain’s hospitality venues now typically opt for rosé, with 21% of them drinking it more frequently than the previous year. This growing enthusiasm has led to a significant 7.4% increase in rosé sales by value over the past year, a rate of growth that is double that of the still wine category overall.
The appeal of rosé attracts a diverse group of drinkers. However, it is particularly popular among women, younger people and city residents. Its versatility is also a key factor in its popularity. Nearly three-quarters of rosé drinkers view it as appropriate for any occasion and 42% enjoy it alongside both food and drink. The sales of premium rosé have also seen a remarkable increase, rising by 18.9% in value year to year. Rosé is increasingly being referred to as the ‘perfume category’ within the wine industry, thanks to its aspirational marketing and artistic bottles that are boosting sales.
However, there’s a daunting number of rosé wines, lined-up in-store, at what might seem like random prices. I have sampled high hundreds of rosé wines at press tastings. Among the numerous brands and varieties tasted were well-known names such as Miraval and Whispering Angel which, to me, seemed ok but over rated. These are my taste-driven, value-for-money picks:
La Vieille Ferme Rosé.
A favourite, everyday, dry rosé, in our household with a floral aroma and peachy/nectarine flavour, perfect on its own or with food. It’s priced at £7.50, widely available in stores.
Pinot Grigio Dolomiti Blush.
A blend combining 85% Pinot Grigio with 15% Chardonnay, creating a wine that is rich in strong floral aromas. These gives way to crisp, refreshing peach flavours, complemented by subtle hints of strawberry. £8.00 from Sainsbury’s. It’s also available in a new 2.2L box format which ensures the wine stays fresh for up to six weeks.
Paco Real Rioja Rosé.
This rosé stands out with its darker than usual colour, a blend of 78% Tempranillo and 22% Garnacha. It initially left me unsure, but by the second taste, its vibrant fruit flavours had thoroughly won me over. Ideal for red wine enthusiasts, this dry, aromatic rosé offers excellent value. Its robustness makes it well-suited to accompany a variety of meals, enhancing its versatility. Priced at £8 and available from M&S.
Rose d’Anjou Grolleau-Gamay, Famille Bougrier.
Made from 80% Grolleau and 20% Gamay Rosé, from the Loire, impresses with its pale raspberry colour, aromatic presence and slightly sweet profile. Dominated by fruity aromas and crushed strawberry flavours, it leaves a lasting impression. It’s £8.25 from The Wine Society.
Caves des Roches Coteaux d’Aix en Provence.
This wine is made from a diverse blend, featuring 52% Grenache, 36% Syrah/Shiraz, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cinsault and 4% other varietals. Produced by Castel Frères, the third-largest producer of French wines, it offers a delightful mix of red berry and light citrus flavours, providing a refreshing and enjoyable experience. The bottle looks great as well. It’s available for £8.25 from Tesco.
Koha Organic Sauvignon Blanc Rosé
This different, low-alcohol rosé is based on Sauvignon Blanc and produced by Giesen. With 5% Merlot to give it a blushed colour, it comes from Marlborough and features the classic notes of gooseberry, citrus and tropical fruits. The taste is so good that I didn’t initially realise it was also lower alcohol 9.5%. It’s a perfect rosé for those who prefer Sauvignon Blanc and/or are looking for a lower alcohol option. £8.50 from M&S.
Finest Côtes de Provence Rosé.
This wine is composed of a blend including 50% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 10% Syrah/Shiraz, 10% Carignan and 5% Rolle. Also produced by Castel Frères, it benefits from brief ageing on the lees, which enriches its flavour profile. The wine bursts with notes of fresh strawberries and redcurrants, delivering a vibrant and refreshing taste. It is priced at £10 and available from Tesco.
Screaming Devil Côtes de Provence.
This wine offers an intriguing and whimsical take on ‘Whispering Angel’. Made from Grenache and Cinsault, it stands out with its distinctive glass stopper and exudes intense aromas of perfumed white peach, bright mango, and passion fruit. The palate is lively and vibrant, characterised by a fresh, saline structure and zesty length. Despite containing only 1g/l of residual sugar, the pronounced fruitiness imparts a seemingly sweeter profile, enhancing its allure. Priced at £10 and available from Asda, it represents excellent value.
Provence Sainte Victoire Rosé.
This fruity and aromatic rosé is predominantly made from Grenache and Syrah, delivering a delightful blend of red fruit and citrus flavours complemented by subtle floral hints. While it is priced a bit higher, at £13 from M&S, the quality and depth of flavour justify the expense.
Love By Leoube Rosé.
This organic blend combines Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, and Mourvèdre to create a richly aromatic and flavoursome wine. It showcases a vibrant mix of red berries, pomegranate and grapefruit, making it a standout premium option. Priced at £17 and available from Co-op.
Château Peyrassol ‘XIIIE’ Organic Rosé.
Provence Rosé from a vineyard estate with a history, established in 1204 by the Knights Templar. The wine is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, with grapes harvested at sunrise on a carefully selected date to capture their optimal freshness and flavour. This rosé features intense aromas of flowers and red fruits, with hints that verge on tropical, characteristics that are fully expressed in the taste. This is probably the best Provence Rosé I tasted this season. A premium Rosé from Majestic at £19.99, for when you want to really impress.
Not all wines are in all stores. Prices and availability are also subject to change.
Rosé wine is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of foods. It goes beautifully with light seafood dishes such as salmon, shrimps and scallops, which complement its crispness. Fresh summer salads with berries or citrus dressing also pair well with the fruity undertones of rosé. For pasta and rice dishes, opt for lighter sauces like lemon butter or a simple olive oil dressing. Rosé matches nicely with soft cheeses like goat cheese, brie and feta, which enhance its crisp and fruity characteristics. The char on grilled vegetables such as peppers, aubergines and courgettes goes well with the refreshing qualities of rosé. But remember, rosé is also perfect for sipping on its own, especially on a warm day, making it a staple at summer gatherings.
You can see there’s a rosé to suit every palate and budget. But here’s a tip that extends beyond just rosé to whites as well. Take the bottle out of the fridge about twenty minutes before serving. This simple step allows the wine to reach its ideal temperature, enhancing its aromas and flavours for a truly delightful tasting experience.
