Think Pink
From crystalline Greek rosés to poised Provençal classics, our Drinks Editor James Viner selects eight standout bottles for stylish spring and summer drinking…
France is the planet’s largest rosé producer, exporter by value, and consumer by volume. Yet the category is no longer defined by pale Provençal rosés. Drinkers are increasingly embracing Spanish rosado alongside characterful bottles from Greece, Italy, the Languedoc, and beyond.
Driven partly by premiumisation, British consumers pay more on average for French rosé than for French red or white wines. Last year, UK sales rose 3% in volume to almost £900 million – we buy over two million bottles weekly. Here are eight refreshing wines worth chilling this season…
1. 2025 BOUTARI DIANTHOS XINOMAVRO ROSÉ, GREECE
£10.50 (buy 6 or more save 25% Clubcard price until 25 May), Tesco | 12.5%
This crisp Xinomavro rosé from high-altitude northern Greece delivers bright acidity with sapid flavours of rose petals, blood orange, cardamom and crushed summer fruits. Made for Greek salads, grilled fish and souvlaki. Get 25% off six or more bottles until 25 May.
2. 2025 TE PĀ SIGNATURE SERIES ROSÉ, MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND
£10.25, Co-op | 12%
Co-op continues to strengthen its rosé range with polished bottles at keen prices, and this lip-smacking, attractively deeper-hued Kiwi blend stands out. Pinot Noir leads, supported unusually by 3% Riesling and 2% Merlot. Expect pink grapefruit, watermelon, spice, red cherries and lavender.
3. 2025 CORBIÈRES ROSÉ RACINE, CHÂTEAU OLLIEUX ROMANIS, LANGUEDOC, FRANCE
£11.95, The Wine Society | 12%
White peach and red berries lead this beautifully composed Corbières rosé made from lightly pigmented Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris and Cinsault. Biodynamically farmed, it’s delicious, vibrant, and tangy, with a subtle herbal edge. An exceptional bargain from an impeccable producer.
4. BOUVET LADUBAY SAUMUR SPARKLING ROSÉ BRUT NV, LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
£10.50, Majestic | 12.5%
Go on, open a smart, traditional-method sparkling rosé to toast warmer weather. Cabernet Franc and Grolleau bring red berries, spice and blackcurrant, lifted by fine bubbles and crisp Loire acidity. One for parties and picnics. Closer to home, Balfour Winery’s aptly named Irresistible Eight Acres Sparkling Rosé NV (£19.50, Co-op) offers a celebratory English alternative.
5. 2024 ÉMINENCE DE BIJOU ROSÉ, COTEAUX DE BÉZIERS, FRANCE
£15.75 (£11.75 promo, 1-22 July), Waitrose | 12.5%
This spot-on, textured Midi rosé is built on Grenache and Cinsault, with Rolle adding aromatic lift and definition. A deft touch of oak lends a subtle vanilla-pod note, framing layers of apricot, raspberry and citrus peel. Even more compelling during the July promotion.
6. 2024 CHÂTEAU DES FERRAGES MON PLAISIR ROSÉ, CÔTES DE PROVENCE SAINTE-VICTOIRE, FRANCE
£18.75–£19.99, Fareham Wine Cellar, The Wine Reserve, Latitude Wine | 12%
This pale Provençal rosé has a lively, fleshy texture. Syrah and Grenache deliver white peach, watermelon and nectarine, lifted by rosewater and subtle wild herbs. Refined and nuanced, it balances elegance with quiet persistence and pairs brilliantly with grilled lamb, fish, or salade niçoise.
7. 2024 DOMAINE DES FLORETS CÔTES DU RHÔNE SENTINELLES ROSÉ, FRANCE
£18.95, Berry Bros. & Rudd | 13.5%
Rosé now accounts for around 13% of the Rhône Valley production. This full-flavoured example combines mineral freshness with herbs, red berries and spice. Made predominantly from Grenache Noir with a little Mourvèdre, it moves effortlessly from sunset drinking to dinner. The long, persistent finish keeps drawing you back.
8. 2025 CHÂTEAU PEYRASSOL ‘XIIIE’ ORGANIC ROSÉ, CÔTES DE PROVENCE, FRANCE
£20 offer until 1 June (reduced from £22), Majestic | 13%
From a historic estate in the Massif des Maures founded in 1204 by the Knights Templar, this organic Provençal rosé is a lesson in sophistication. Grenache and Syrah bring red-berry purity, floral lift and a saline edge. Elegant and blissfully dry, it stands as a benchmark expression for stylish spring dining – hello sushi and gently spiced tagines.
🍷 HAVE A VINE TIME
🌿 The Wine Garden of England Presents Its Fifth “Summer Celebration”
Grab tickets for a relaxed summer showcase of Kent wines from nine leading local producers in the new setting at The Castle Westenhanger, just 8 minutes’ walk from Westenhanger train station, on the London to Dover line.
📅 6 June 2026
🕥 10:45 AM – 9:30 PM
Tickets: £45.00 plus £3.46 fee – book tickets here
Follow James @QuixoticWines
