It’s All Coming Up Rosé – There’s something rather special about rosé wines, whether they be still or sparkling. They are the ideal, versatile, bridge between red and white. More to the point, though, to many people they’re the very essence of summer drinking, and a sparkling rosé or champagne, seems to raise the level and add a note of extravagance. The blush colour is usually obtained by leaving the white grape juices in contact with some dark grape skins for just a short period, typically anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, before being filtered and fermented like a white wine. Sometimes an amount of red wine is added, a method known as blending or rosé d’assemblage.
Here are a few rosés that are definitely worth trying if, like me, you’re a fan.
English rosés are really coming into their own now. The award-winning Surrey vineyard Denbies Rose Hill is a blend of Pinot Noir and Dornfelder. A full flavoured rosé, pale pink in colour, which benefits from the English cool climate. A vibrant nose of summer fruits leads to a palate bursting with punnets of strawberries and raspberries, a hint of toffee apple and a persistent cassis finish. Available from Waitrose and Ocado at around £12 a bottle
Gusbourne, one of England’s most celebrated wine estates, has released its 2025 English Rosé – a wine from an extraordinary growing season and the singular character of its Kentish terroir. Crafted from 100% Pinot Noir, hand-harvested from Gusbourne’s vineyards on the ancient south-facing escarpment above Appledore, the 2025 vintage has precision, vibrancy and an exceptional natural balance: the hallmark of truly great English rosé. Available from Gusbourne, at £29 per bottle from gusbourne.com
Jardin de Roses, boasts fresh fruit aromas of grapefruit, cherry and strawberry, enriched by floral notes similar to those found in a rose garden. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah this wine produced in the Languedoc region of France by Domaines Paul Mas is great value at £10.50 a bottle from Tesco.
Legends Bordeaux Rosé Tutiac, is dry, refreshing, and deliciously fruity, showcasing another side to Bordeaux beyond its famous reds. A delightful aperitif and equally at home with salads, omelettes, fish dishes, or garlic prawns. Part of the Legends range from Spar at £8.49
Casillero del Diablo, Chile’s No.1 wine brand, has just launched its new Chilean Rosé. It’s a pale, bright pink wine with subtle silver highlights, made to be enjoyed “ice cold”. The tasting profile is fresh and expressive on the nose, with delicate aromas of rose petals and red fruits. On the palate, notes of strawberries and white peaches lead to a long finish, with delicate saline and mineral nuances.
Available at Sainsbury’s and Morrisons (RSP a very affordable £8.50).
Bruce Jack Wines Lifestyle Sauvignon Blush is a fresh and expressive rosé-style blend made predominantly from Sauvignon Blanc with a small addition of Shiraz. The Sauvignon Blush is pale salmon in colour with notes of rose petal, nectarine sorbet, and a squeeze of lime. The palate is crisp and refreshing, balancing delicate fruit with lively acidity and an easy drinkability. Available from £8 at Asda and Sainsbury’s .
Tavel is a cru in the Southern Rhône Valley that produces only rosé wines, known for their complexity and finesse. They can be appreciated in their youth and unlike much rosé, can also be considered for aging. This wine is dry and full bodied, with notes of grapefruit, raspberries and spices. Arbousset Tavel Rosé is an award-winning example, and available for £13 at Tesco
Wild Child Rosé 2025 is a 100% Grenache Rosé from the wild West Coast of South Africa. This beautiful light salmon pink coloured wine features aromatics and flavours of fresh strawberry, rose petals and orange blossom. In the background lingers some Turkish delight and potpourri. Dry and crisp with a medium body and a flinty mineral finish. £12.25 from Ocado.
Straight from the heart of Provence, Ultimate Provence is the kind of bottle that feels made for special lunches, garden parties and golden-hour aperitifs. With its elegant pale-pink hue, highly distinctive bottle and beautifully fresh, fruit-forward profile, it’s a standout choice if you want to upgrade your summer sipping. The dry, white pepper notes come from the Syrah, and the Rolle grape lends acidity, brightness and notes of citrus. Available from Waitrose and Tesco for around £20.
And finally, some summer rosé fizz: Graham Beck Vintner’s Selection Brut Rosé is produced by methode traditionelle. This Rosé Cap Classique with a minimum of 15 months on the lees, expresses subtle yeasty characters with a burst of red fruit flavours. A fine, lively bubble, perfect for summer celebrating. £14.50 from Tesco.
The Seasoned Gastronome