Susy Atkins picks the perfect bunch of rosés under £10
Given that you can now pay more than £15 for fairly so-so Provencal rosé, I’ve been looking out for better bargain pinks from any region this summer. This is an easy-drinking style of wine – probably, like me, you just want a rosé that’s dry, fresh and fruity at a reasonable price. After trawling through 35 samples (and wincing at the searing acidity in some), I now have my top 10 under £10 – not all bargain-basement prices, but each one punching well above its weight.
Lidl’s Pinot Noir 2019, Pays d’Oc (12.5%, £5.49) is the cheapest and simplest, light with a raspberry ripple flavour but finishing dry – a picnic pink. Tesco has its surprisingly elegant Finest Pinot Grigio Blush 2019, Italy (12.5%) on offer at £6 down from £7 until July 20, while Sainsbury’s well-balanced, cranberryish Taste the Difference Bordeaux Rosé 2018 (12.5%) is down to £6.50 from £8 until July 28.
Majestic fields an impressive team of rosés, including La Belle Angele Rosé 2019, Vin de France (12.5%, £8.99 or £7.49 as part of six mixed bottles), which tastes of fresh raspberries and pink grapefruit (and has a gorgeous summery label); even better value is the cherry and cassis compote, finishing dry, that is Floracao Rosé 2019, Lisboa, Portugal (12.5%, £7.99 or £6.99 in a mixed six). M&S’s Notte Rossa Primitivo Rosato 2019, Salento, Italy (12.5%, £8) is a little richer and riper, with juicy red berries galore to take on charcuterie or grilled seafood. And Les Turitelles Origines 2019, Altugnac, Pays’ d’Oc, France (13%, Berry Bros & Rudd, £9.95) is a cherrypacked, moreish treat. And on the right, my very favourites to see us through the summer.
(13%, £8.99)
France
This blend of grenache and cinsault ticks every box – it’s delightfully aromatic with a strawberry and cream flavour, refreshing finish and fine balance. I favour this over some of the flashier Provence labels at twice the price.
UMANU GRIS DE CINSAULT 2019
Ile de Beauté, Corsica, France (12%, The Wine Society, £8.95)
The most interesting of the lot, a pale pink Corsican, made with local grape sciaccarellu and cinsault to produce different flavours of red plum, redcurrants and parma violets. Try if bored with the usual French rosés.
TANNERS ROSÉ 2019
Cotes de Gascogne, France (12%, Tanners, £8.60)
Tanners’ house pink, made from a blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, syrah and tannat, has long been a star and the new vintage is better than ever, with strawberry and cherry notes and a lingering juicy finish, quite dry.