Brought to you through rosé tinted spectacles

If there is almost one thing guaranteed it is that it will rain at some point on a bank holiday weekend and of course it did this last weekend, even when it was such a special celebration. However being British I am sure that there were still barbeques being lit and bottles of rosé being opened, I for one certainly count myself in that group.

It seems to be if you are looking for really good value rosé then Spain is an excellent destination this summer. Ramon Bilbao Rosado 2022, Rioja (Tesco £8.25) is a blend of Garnacha and Viura and is fashionably very pale in colour, the nose offers red fruits and a hints of citrus peel, the palate is very fresh with more red fruits and bright acidity and just enough weight to make it a good food partner as well. Serve this some garlic prawns or even a paella.

You don’t see that many rosés from South Africa on the shelves here and so the Bees Knees Rosé 2022, Western Cape (Laithwaites £11.99 or £7.99 as part of a mixed 12) is a welcome addition. Made by the Gabb family, this is 100% Grenache and while pale in colour it is almost more orange than pink, the bouquet is very fresh with summer berries and cherry as well as citrus and just a little spice, the plate is quite juicy with citrus acidity and a very appealing dry, fresh finish.

There is no doubt that Provence is now considered the ‘epi-centre’ of all things rosé and its popularity has almost reached rock star levels over the last decade which is ironic really as there now are a number of vineyards owned by famous actors and entertainers. Of course prices have steadily risen but based on tastings of the 2022 vintage if I was going to choose one Provence rosé to drink this summer it would most definitely be Chateau La Mascaronne Rosé 2022, Côtes de Provence (Heritage Cellars £19.95). I visited the estate a few years ago and it really is one of the most picturesque properties in the region, everything is farmed here sustainably and organically and unlike so many wines from Provence this really is a single estate rosé. Made from a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Rolle, in the glass it a bright almost shimmering pale pink with aromas of peaches, orchard blossom, pink grapefruit and rhubarb, followed by a palate that really is quite broad, with more peach and rhubarb fruit and citrus zest acidity, there is also just the merest hint of salinity on the long finish. This really is quite sensuous wine and would make a perfect partner to a long summer lunch in the garden, even in the rain!