The rosés we recommend right now

Château La Mascaronne in the picturesque village of Luc de Provence was snapped up in 2020 by Michel Reybier, owner of Château Cos d`Estournel, and he has set the bar sky high with his debut vintage. This organic, dry, delicate, complex and delicious rosé is quite literally Provence in a glass. It is exquisitely balanced and refined, and perhaps the most understated and elegant rosé on our list.

Domaines Ott* is the last word in Provençal sophistication, and their Clos Mireille rosé has become an emblem of the Riviera. But the truth is, this is equally at home enjoyed in the garden on a summer evening as it is on the white tablecloths of the chicest restaurants in St Tropez. The wine is made only from the "coeur de grain," the very purest juice of the berries. Its light, lithe body and detailed freshness make this one of the world’s most graceful rosés. Domaines Ott* can take a lot of credit for putting the now ubiquitous style of pale, dry Provençal rosé on the map.

Lukas van Loggerenberg lamented the lack of a rosé culture in South Africa. And so he decided to do something about it. This comes from Cinsault vines, from the closest vineyard to the southern ocean in Stellenbosch, on the sandy soils of the lower slopes of the Helderberg. More akin to top Bandol rosé than easier, quaffing styles, it’s saline, savoury, and totally beguiling. A total bargain at this price.

Triennes is a long-time favourite, always reliably delicious, and just the ticket for the summer. It is a lovely red fruit-lead, thirst-quenching rosé from this ever-popular southern venture from two of Burgundy’s greatest domaines: DRC and Dujac. The de Villaine and Seysses families invested here many years ago, seeing the potential in the region to make great value and delicious, easy-drinking rosé. Perfect for summer drinking.

Magali Combard’s wines from Figuière are an exciting new addition to our list. This, her signature cuvée, is so well balanced and refreshing, you’ll be reaching for another glass in no time. It is pale salmon pink, and has a beautifully expressive nose, with notes of fresh citrus, strawberries, and dried herbs. The palate is silky smooth, with a fresh, pink grapefruit energy. It is the perfect rosé for any occasion.

This rosé is one of the secret gems of our list. Pale, dry, and quintessentially Provençal at first, it begins to open up in the glass revealing layers of complexity that take it far beyond its category. This 2021 is so expressive it borders on the exuberant, with pithy grapefruit, orange blossom, and sweet red berry notes. It has lovely freshness on the palate, with a seasalt minerality. Unlike many simpler rosés, whose enjoyment is exclusively in their fruitiness and freshness, this wine has the structure and depth to age with brilliance. If you hold it for a couple of years, you'll be able to appreciate just what this wine can do.

This is one of the Côte d'Azur’s most distinctive wines, with its recognisable bottle shape and pale onion skin pink. The domaine shot to fame after Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt invested in it, alongside the expert winemaking family, the Perrins, of Château de Beaucastel fame. The 2020 is lightly scented with sweet strawberry and bonbon notes, with an apricot flavoured and peachy palate, and a balanced, creamy finish.

This is the final vintage for Luc’s easy drinking, summery Rosé, and we’re pleased to have picked up a final parcel. It’s a delicious pale pink Pinot Noir: vibrant, fresh, and so easy to drink. Lightly scented with redcurrants, with Sancerre’s signature acidity. It’s made from young vine fruit and is a brilliant alternative to Provençal rosé.

This Cabernet Franc rosé is such a pretty delicate pink. It comes from the domaine’s young vines, which yield a fruity and open wine. The 2021 is the best vintage we’ve tried so far, with a delicious citrus fruit energy accompanying the sweet red berry fruits on the nose. A simple summer delight.