Jamie Goode thinks pink with the finest rosé
There have been plenty of rosés on this page in recent weeks, and that’s because it is such a vibrant category. The quality of rosé is better than it has ever been, so there’s lots of choice. Chilled right down, I can’t think of a better drink for midsummer. Here I’ve chosen seven refreshing pinks to savour.
Tesco Coteaux d’aix en Provence Rosé 2019, France £7.20, Tesco, 13% alcohol
Here’s a fresh, fruity rosé with sweet pear and citrus fruit, and a touch of redcurrants. There’s a brightness to this wine, which is packaged in a skittle-shaped bottle. It’s pretty, expressive and perfect for summer.
Le Météore by Domaine du Météore 2019, Faugères, France £15.50, domaine dumeteore.com, 13% alcohol Beautifully packaged, this is a fresh, sweetly fruited pink with cherries, strawberries and pear fruit flavours. It’s richly textured, nicely weighted generous and appealing with a touch of sweetness to the fruit.
Vidal-fleury Côtes-du-rhône Rosé 2019 £14, thedrinkshop. com, 13.5% alcohol
This is an attractive Rhône rosé, mainly made from the cinsault grape, with a dash of syrah and grenache. It’s lively with berry fruits and crisp citrus notes.
Simonnet-febvre Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé NV £16, pcwine.co.uk, 12% alcohol This is bright, zippy and fruity with red cherry and strawberry notes, as well as hints of pear and apple. There’s generosity here with a sweet berry fruit mid-palate and a fresh finish. Classy stuff.
Leftfield Rosé 2019, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand £13.75, Waitrose, 13% alcohol
An unusual blend of merlot, pinotage and arneis, this pale pink wine has rounded yet bright flavours of sweet cherries and strawberries, with melony richness and a touch of peach. Very attractive and full, it has a soft, sweet finish.
Cune Rioja Rosado 2018, Spain £7.50 until July 21, Co-op, 12.5% alcohol This is bright, fresh and fruity, with some subtle green hints adding freshness to the sweet cherry and raspberry fruit, together with crisp acidity. Dry and appealing, this has the presence to go well with food.
Rosé des Papilles Cinsault 2019, Pays d’oc, France £10.33, thedrinkshop.com, 12.5% alcohol Cinsault is a grape well adjusted to the warm South of France, and makes some tasty pinks. This is a pale, delicate rosé that’s pretty refined and finely spiced with a nice texture. It’s quite dry with good focus. ●S