Dropping onto Tooley Street from London Bridge on a wet and wintry Monday evening hardly imbues the soul with the joy of life and, given a choice of beverage, I doubt I would opt for a cool rosé. However, remove the element of choice and thrust a glass of Lebanese Chateau Ksara, Sunset Rosé 2017, into my mit and the effect is both surprising and uplifting.

The room at the Comptoir Libanais restaurant was packed with food and wine people bustling around chatting and taking off various layers before the food and wine tasting began. What interested me most is that everyone I spoke to was, like me, really enjoying the rosé. Add to this that I had just received a couple of other rosé samples delivered to the office of Provencal origin, and I couldn’t help sensing that something pink is in the air!

Flavourful, fruity, but mostly uplifting

Rosé seems to lead a troubled existence. Often scorned for its feminine hue, derided for its lack of seriousness, quaffed for its perceived …. well… enjoyment… I have picked out 4 examples to recommend here that I have found to be particularly delicious from different regions with different grapes. 

Top | Chateau Ksara | Chateau Sainte-Croix | Opta Boas Quintas | St Donas Kekfrankos

Sunset 2017, Chateau Ksara, Lebanon

Blend: Cabernet Franc & Syrah

Bright garish pink colour, Strawberry dominant aromas, fruit and spice to taste with a good fresh acidic structure. Invigorating with a pleasingly clean finish. Highly gastronomic rosé wine; pairs exceptionally well with roasted vegetables, mezze style dishes, good conversation...

Stockists: RRP: £11-12.50 from Whole Foods, Fintry Wines

Top | Chateau Ksara | Chateau Sainte-Croix | Opta Boas Quintas | St Donas Kekfrankos

Charmeur, Château Sainte Croix, Côtes de Provence, 2018

Blend: Cinsalt, Syrah, Grenache

Really delicious red ripe fruit, creamy and long with a clean pleasing finish. Really enjoyed this. Superb pick-me-up wine to welcome in any evening. Pairs exceptionally well with coconut and lentil curry with greens and light spices. No wonder they call it the charmeur!

RRP £13.68 from Private Cellar

Top | Chateau Ksara | Chateau Sainte-Croix | Opta Boas Quintas | St Donas Kekfrankos

Opta Rosé 2018, Boas Quintas, Dao, Portugal

Blend: Touriga National, Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz 

Having just returned from the Dao region I have these grapes indelibly stenciled into my psyche - the modern Dao style is fresh fruit, herbecious and elegant. No oak, no over extraction but delicate aromas and a lightness of touch on the palate that keeps the drinker returning for more. Very pleased to include the Opta Rosé from Boas quintas in the mix.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/boas+quinta+opta+rose+dao+portugal

Top | Chateau Ksara | Chateau Sainte-Croix | Opta Boas Quintas | St Donas Kekfrankos

Kekfrankos Rosé, Tihany Peninsular, Szent Donat Winery, Hungary

Grapes: Kekfrankos (Blaufrankisch in Austria/Germany)

Kekfrankos is an unsung hero of central European red and rosé winemaking. It blends well and also produces these fabulous rosé wines. Super refreshing with crisp pear and raspberry flavours. Pairs exceptionally well with vegetable wintry broths. Their vineyards are located on volcanic soils and these wines have a distinct otherness to them that is hard to put down to coincidence. Ther labels hint at the source of their fresh vibrant (volcanic?) profile. 

UK importer: Novel Wines (novelwines.co.uk) 

Top | Chateau Ksara | Chateau Sainte-Croix | Opta Boas Quintas | St Donas Kekfrankos