The smell of freshly cut grass and sun-warmed creosote, the charred taste of barbecued halloumi, and that first sip of chilled rosé in the sun — just a few things that instantly feel like summer to me.
Previously an Aperol Spritz gal in summers, my obsession with rosé didn’t begin until I attended a friend’s wedding at a glorious chateau in Provence, around six years ago. Prior, my only experience of it had been the sickly sweet house stuff at my local pub, shared with the girls in a packed London beer garden. Romanticised it was not. Fast forward to the wedding; my friend’s French groom knew good wine, and insisted his favourite pale variety was free-flowing for guests on the big day. I was an instant convert. I realised rosé could be refreshing, fruity, and floral — without a hint of sickly sweetness. From that day on, I found myself scanning London wine lists for a Provençal rosé.
And I’m not alone in loving a drop of pink wine. Rosé has experienced something of a resurgence in recent years – it’s hard to believe it was considered uncool, and a ‘woman’s wine’. You don’t need to trek to your local wine bar to find a good bottle either – supermarkets now offer up a selection to please the most discerning rosé drinker. We’ve tried and tested four of the best bottles on offer for summer sipping, and economically they’re all under £20 too – no flight to the South of France needed.
Wine: Calvet Sancerre Rosé, £17.50, Waitrose
Best for: Impressing guests at a dinner party
This grown-up rosé has complex flavours and rich aromas of fruit. We liked the pale, dry flavour profile. The most expensive bottle we tried, this is a great option to serve at your next summer dinner party to impress your guests. The round and fresh nature of this wine also makes the ideal base for a rosé sangria.
Wine: Nozeco Still Rosé, Alcohol-free, £5, Morrisons
Best for: Sober sippers
Nozeco makes some of the best alcohol-free wines on the market – even alcohol drinkers would enjoy a chilled glass of this still rosé. The pale pink pour sits at the sweeter end of the scale, without being too sickly. Expect notes of strawberry and berry, complemented by floral aromas. To serve, temper the sweetness with a slice of zingy grapefruit and a top up of refreshing soda.
Wine: Fleurs de Prairie Luberon Rosé, £10.50, Morrisons
Best for: Picnics in the park
An elegant wine with a fresh and generous palate that reveals notes of lemon, exotic fruits, and peach from the vines. Bring a bottle in a bucket of ice to the park to elevate alfresco summer evenings. Serve up over a glass of crushed raspberries, with a sprig of mint to complement the sweet notes of red berries. We also loved the chic, curved bottle and minimalist design, which makes this rosé look far more expensive than its £10.50 price tag.
Wine: Louis Couturier Crémant de Bordeaux Rosé, £10, Tesco
Best for: Aperitivo hour
If you’re yet to discover Champagne’s cheaper dupe, you’re in for a treat. Light, effervescent, and celebratory, Crémant feels special without breaking the bank. Our pick of the rosé’s tested, Louis Couturier’s pink Crémant is excellent value at just £10 a bottle. Expect delicate bubbles and aromas of red fruit which work wonderfully at aperitivo hour with a side of olives and salty crisps. For a chic alternative to dessert you could also serve in a chilled flute with a spoonful of frozen sorbet (we recommend strawberry to bring out the citrus notes) to create a delicious sparkling float.
Sophie Green is PR Manager for a designer flash sale website and part-time fashion blogger, having founded her fashion and shopping blog Lafashionfolie.com in 2012. Finding a passion for the industry at a young age, Sophie studied Fashion Communications at university and has worked in the industry for over a decade, heading up the PR departments of several fashion and fine jewellery brands. Through her fashion blog she has worked on campaigns with brands including UGG Australia, La Redoute and Headmasters and counts sitting opposite Anna Wintour at the Topshop Unique LFW show as a career highlight! Outside of work Sophie likes to unwind by hitting the gym for a boxing class or ‘researching’ the best G&T’s the capital has to offer. Her fashion obsession is sequins, with an entire section of her wardrobe dedicated to all things-sparkly!
