The wines in this selection all fit neatly into a category of rosé that this year, somewhat ironically, seems more desirable than ever before. The irony is that I should be basking in a landscape, such as the one the bottles are set against above (location: Collioure in Roussillon, where the Pyrenees run into the Mediterranean Sea), however, I find these wines are part of a set of ingredients, evoking summery thoughts, that keep the wolves of longing from the door. 

If you are seeking a rosé to enjoy then here you will find a range of contemporary styles from the rich thirst-quenching mineralogy of Mount Etna, to a palate-cleansing Bordeaux Rosé and the benchmark-setting of vins de Provence, meandering back through southern France to Catalunya for some bubbly pink Cava.

  De Luze Rosé | Mirabeau en Provence Etoile | Love by Leoube | Jardin de Roses 
ROSA by Donnafugata & Dolce & Gabbana | Perelada Cava

[1.] De Luze Bordeaux rosé 2019

Bordeaux is like its own country when it comes to wine production, so it is only natural that we should see the production of fabulous rosés at equally fabulous prices. The young De Luz, 2019 Rosé gives us open aromas of grapefruit, strawberry and red currant. The taste is clean summer red fruits with clean fresh acidity. Thirst-quenching simplicity for a summers day.

RRP: ~£10 from https://ndjohn.co.uk/

[2.] Mirabeau en Provence Etoile, Cõtes de Provence 2019

A rather fetching bell-shaped bottle that will make it easy to recognise when you are going back for more!

An alluring pear and fresh summer berry perfume. Precise like a laser, mouthwateringly refreshing. A summer wine to fall in love with. Top stuff from the home of Rosé!

RRP: £15 Sainsbury’s

[3.] Love by Leoube

As we are only imagining social gatherings, pool parties surrounded by our closest friends with magnums of free-flowing rosé… Love By Leoube offer the sun drenched packaging for such a flight of fancy. 

Pale pink, pear and overt strawberry nose. Every sip is reminiscent of strawberries and cream, English summers, lawn tennis and all those things that are currently absent. Despite the soft roundness of the fruit, the bright acidity, structure and freshness. A very enjoyable wine.

Dream over… or is it? 

RRP: £14.21 from Winebuyers

[4.] Jardin de Roses (Rose Garden), Gallica, AOP Languedoc Rosé

Very pretty label and for a good reason. Each bottle has the picture of a flower local to the Languedoc Roussillon region. If you buy a case you get a bunch of different flowers on the same wine. 

Made from Grenache Noir/Cinsault/Syrah, this is a pale pink elegant wine with soft fruit and floral notes. Easy to drink and to keep drinking. Probably the heaviest rosé bottle I have encountered but apart from that a very appealing offering from Domain Paul Mas. 

RRP: £9.99 from Waitrose

[5.] ‘Rosa’ Sicilia Doc Rosato - Donnafugata & Dolce & Gabbana

Stylishly thirst slaking… Donnafugata makes fabulous wines from vines grown on the volcanic soils of Siciliy and this is no different. Soft pink in colour but with mineral bite contrasted by a succulent strawberry flavour and floral perfume. All set against a nice firm acidity making it super-summer friendly. Oh, and the Dolce & Gabbana label… both brands have Sicilian heritage so there is authenticity in this partnership. Oh, it also comes in a box!

Will go on sale on the Donnafugata website and imported to the UK by Liberty Wines.

RRP: ~€25

[6.] Perelada Brut Rosado Cava

Cava has longed been cast into the shadows by Prosecco. Personally I cannot understand why. The wines are made in the same method as Champagne and can be of fabulous quality with a blend of three alluring varieties: Trepat (60%), Monastrell (20%), Pinot Noir (20%). The low prices represent a bargain, especially if the purse strings are taught coming out of lockdown.

Attractive pale pink with a lively column of bubbles. Cherry and red summer fruits are easily detectable in the aroma and transfer to the palate. Bright with a pleasing fruity creaminess that lingers pleasantly on. Great value bubbles!

£12.50 from Dulwich Vintners for a summers day.

   De Luze Rosé | Mirabeau en Provence Etoile | Love by Leoube | Jardin de Roses 
ROSA by Donnafugata & Dolce & Gabbana | Perelada Cava

   
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