Recently, rosé has gained popularity as a versatile wine for every season, moving beyond its traditional label as a summer-only drink. In the past, many reserved this delightful pink beverage for warm weather gatherings, with one notable political journalist friend declaring that the rosé season kicked off on Good Friday and concluded on the Sunday of the Labour conference in the fall.

However, with evolving tastes, the enjoyment of rosé has become commonplace in all months, including winter, where some even indulge in it during Christmas celebrations. As June approaches, marking peak rosé season, I have sought out exceptional bottles that stand apart from the ordinary, mass-produced pale pinks typically sourced from the Côte d’Azur, which often come with a price tag exceeding £20, or significantly higher for prestigious producers like Domaines Ott or Domaine Tempier.

The charm of rosé lies in its ability to provide a refreshing experience on those sweltering summer days, ideally paired with a crisp and cool vibe alongside vibrant citrus notes. Yet, during the summer party season, finding quality without breaking the bank is essential. This has led to an increasing popularity of options like Famille Perrin’s accessible La Vieille Ferme, affectionately dubbed ‘Chicken wine’ due to its quirky label, priced at £8.75 at Majestic.

There are numerous other fantastic choices available. Though some may scoff at it, Aldi’s 2024 Unearthed Thracian Valley Pinot Noir Rosé from Bulgaria boasts a delightful medley of peachy and summery red fruits, all for just £8.99. Tesco’s 2024 La Ligne Rosé from the Languedoc region is another worthy option, characterized by its light, crisp, and clean profile, all for £5.49. While the new vintage may lack the depth of its predecessors, its value cannot be overlooked. Here are some additional selections to savor throughout the warm months.

2023 Pezat Côtes de Provence France (12.5%) – Aldi, £7.49: This elegant salmon-pink rosé stands out within Aldi’s offerings, presenting refined notes of red berry and a smooth, creamy texture.

2024 Mount Rozier Rosé South Africa (12%) – Co-op, £7.95: An intriguing blend of cinsault and grenache, showcasing an herbaceous touch combined with green tea hints and a savory finish.

2023 Côtes de Gascogne Rosé France (10.5%) – Tanners, £10.90: A vibrant selection with a moderate alcohol level, invigorating taste buds with soft strawberry notes.

2024 Perrin Le Triangle d’Or Luberon Rosé France (13%) – Majestic, £11: The Perrin family has crafted a remarkable yet affordable rosé that features tangy acidity and a refreshing saline quality.

2024 Mirabeau Pure Provence Rosé France (12.5%) – Tesco, £14 (reduced from £16.50): This estate’s flagship offering is characterized by its pale appearance and pure essence, with enticing peach and a zesty citrus burst.

2023 Château Ksara Sunset Lebanon (13.5%) – L’Art du Vin, £16.80: From one of Lebanon’s premier estates, this rosé is rich with lovely notes of rose petal and berry, complemented by a delightful juicy mouthfeel.

Will’s Recommendation from The Sunday Times Wine Club

2024 Violette de Mireval Comté Tolosan France (11%) – £8.99: Produced in the southwest of France from the rare négrette grape, this pale rosé harmonizes summer berry flavors with refreshing acidity.