The summer saw many bottles opened over the preceding months and this line-up of rosé wines is drawn fondly from the recent end of that period. If Autumn is the midway between summer and winter, then rosé is the perfect transition wine, letting us down gently from a year in which the summer was patchy, as was our freedom to roam. 

The wine must flow on… one thing it is really worth noting about these wines in the quality versus price ratio - all of them are absolute winners! 

August has receded into memory and September is offering bright but slightly chillier starts to the days. Uncertainty around all things means we are still living out the most surreal of years.

The summer saw many bottles opened over the preceding months and this line-up of rosé wines is drawn fondly from the recent end of that period. If Autumn is the midway between summer and winter then rosé is the perfect transition wine, letting us down gently from a year in which the summer was patchy, as was our freedom to roam. 

The wine must flow on… one thing it is really worth noting about these wines in the quality versus price ratio - all of them are absolute winners!

Bolney Estate Lychgate Rosé 2018 | Le Météore Rosé 2019 | Les Cerisiers Rosé 2019 | Domaine La Louvière 2019

Bolney Estate Lychgate Rosé 2018

Vibrant pink colour, strawberry and raspberry nose, with a burst of refreshing strawberries and cream. Bright gastronomic acidity that paired this well with an anchovy and tuna salad. Lovely clean fresh finish.

As the bottle says, Bolney Estate are pioneers of English winemaking based downing Sussex where they have been producing wine over 5 decades. Sam Linter, daughter of the founders, is the managing director of the estate and head of the winemaking team. The focus is on artisanal winemaking and the Lychgate Rosé is made from hand harvested grapes that are whole bunch pressed with cool fermentation over 14 days.

*News just in on Bolney is that have been nominated by Trip Advisor as a ‘Travellers Choice 2020’ meaning they are in the top 10% of visitor attractions worldwide.

£14.99 direct online: https://bolneywineestate.com/products/lychgate-rose-2018

Le Météore Rosé, Domaine Du Météore, Faug´res A.O.C. 2019 

Grape varieties: Approx 50% Cinsault, 40% Grenache Noir, 10% Mourvèdre

Organic, undergoing biodynamic conversion and suitable for vegans.

This is certainly a wine for the more cosmically minded among us. The vineyards are located within our planets youngest known meteorite crater (10,000yrs old) and, I have to say, there is something otherworldly about this wine.

The vines are located at 300m altitude in the foothills of the Haut-Languedoc mountains in Southern France. The coolness of the altitude acts as a protector of freshness that is part of the character of this wine.

A paler pink in colour, this wine mixes floral and summer fruit notes. To taste it certainly has a very fine strawberry flavour but also a gorgeous cool edge that draws you back for another sip. Really fabulous wine at an equally fabulous price.

£15.50 for 1 bottle or £62 for 6 direct from the domaine: https://www.domainedumeteore.com/our-wine/le-meteore/

Côtes du Rhône Les Cerisiers Rosé 2019

Grape varieties: Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah

Suitable for vegans

Classic pink rosé, not too bright, not too pale, from a classic region of France. The blend includes Syrah lending a bit more berry fruit character which paired extremely well with my Napoli pizza (pictured). There are also some floral notes but overall this rosé just keeps you sipping.

£9.99 per bottle or £56.94 for 6 from Hennings: https://www.henningswine.co.uk/product/cotes-du-rhone-les-cerisiers-rose/

Le Marquis - AOP Malepère Rosé, Domaine La Louvière 2019

Grape varieties: AOP Malepère: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec

A fetching label indicating a place in the south of France where wolves did roam and the ancient Cathar people placed themselves as opponents to Catholicism, seeking purity among the rugged landscape. Although eventually defeated by the French and the Pope’s soldiers, the area is as steeped in myth and legend as any of us would like when contemplating our next sip.

A more fuller pink colour with aromas of strawberry and grapefruit. Flavours of summer fruit, vibrant freshness and structure make this very aromatic too. Perfect with roasted aubergine, tomatoes and plenty of herbs.

€7.40 from Languedoc Wine Shop: https://www.languedocwineshop.com/la-louviere-le-marquis.html

 Bolney Estate Lychgate Rosé 2018 | Le Météore Rosé 2019 | Les Cerisiers Rosé 2019 | Domaine La Louvière 2019