7 Provencal roses for sun-soaked parties
The shade of the season, these are the rosé wines to sip in the sunshine, says Sam Wylie-Harris.
Glorious sunshine, azure-blue skies, and long, hazy days of summer… with a Mediterranean climate to mirror the south of France, chances are your romance with Provençal rosé is in full bloom.
After all, nothing beats an ice bucket with the promise of a shimmering glass of a pukka pink to tantalise the tastebuds.
Especially if you have a thirst for the Riviera lifestyle and appreciate how these fashionable wines win hands down for their consistent quality, elegance and ‘drink me now’ appeal.
With their signature pale-pink hue, here’s what’s radiating happiness with value at every price point…
1. Chassaux et Fils Sainte Victoire Rosé 2024, Côtes de Provence, France, £8.99, Aldi
With its classy label and angel wings, Aldi’s Whispering Angel dupe has some of the fragrant, fresh, summer strawberry appeal to rival the most popular rosé in the world. This artfully made cheapie has just enough floral notes and vibrant red fruits with hints of nectarine and fresh acidity to make it incredibly drinkable. A real steal.
2. Waitrose No 1 Coteaux D’Aix en Provence Rosé 2025, France, £12, (now until August 19, was £15), Waitrose
Award-winning Provence producer Maison Mirabeau are behind this own label, and one to buy with confidence. A rosé which really illustrates how a beguiling bouquet of red berries, white blossom and hints of yellow peach can lift the senses; displaying a core of pink grapefruit with flavoursome stone fruits, hints of wild raspberries and crisp, mineral finish, it’s a keeper.
3. Maison Giambagli ‘Coté AIX’ Organic Rosé 2025, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, France, £17, (£14 Mix Six), Majestic
Another expressive style and plushly textured, there’s something special about this rosé with its slightly gastronomic character. With citrus and crushed berry aromas harmonizing with notes of orange zest, there’s plenty of juicy exotic fruit on the lengthy palate, enhanced by fresh acidity, fine minerality and refreshing finish. Joyous from beginning to end.
4. Domaine Pontfract Côtes de Provence Rosé 2025, Côtes de Provence France, £17.99, (£15.99 when you mix 12+), Laithwaites
What we love about this strawberry-scented rosé is its sheer drinkability, with the faintest hint of Provençal herbs lending regional typicity. With delectable flavours of ripe berries, hints of blossom, citrus, whisper of dried apricot, fresh acidity and crisp long finish, there’s a certain je ne sais quoi to this wine… and delicately appetizing.
5. Ultimate Provence Rosé 2025, Côtes de Provence, France, £18, (now until August 19, was £22), Waitrose
Aptly named given its sheer drinkability, this ribbed-glass bottle stands out in the scenic landscape lined with ice buckets and parasols… and one for sun-kissed lunches. As poised as a ballerina, it’s elegant with beautiful floral aromas; on the palate, it’s fruit forward with succulent red fruits supported by juicy peach, fresh, citrusy acidity, with delicious depth and long, silky finish. Very stylish.
6. Breath of Paradise Rosé 2025, Côtes de Provence, France, £19.99, (1.5L, magnum), Lidl in-store
Another supermarket rosé with a somewhat familiar look to it – angel wings and a gold seal – Lidl have launched a magnum (equivalent to two bottles) version of its cult classic… and it’s sure to be a runaway success. Utterly delicious from the word go and fantastic value, when it comes to designer dupes, this is a very authentic Provençal pink with its expressive strawberry-scented nose with pretty peach accents; good weight and structure which combines a fruity delicacy with balanced acidity and dry, crisp finish.
7. Lala V Côtes de Provence Rosé 2024, France, £27, Hackstons
A new release worth seeking out, model and socialite Lady Eliza Spencer, Princess Diana’s niece, is behind this luxe label which is said ‘captures the spirit of the French Riviera through a wine that is refined, expressive, and unmistakably modern.’
Produced in collaboration with Côtes de Provence winemaker Domaine Tropez, it’s delicately aromatic with hints of citrus, peach, and apricot fruit which continues on the palate, with balanced structure, and lingering, crisp finish… harmonious and beautifully delicious. Available exclusively through high-end wine and spirits retailer, Hackstons.