Provence, Corsica, Burgundy, the Rhône, the Loire…fine rosé cuvées are produced all over France. We’ve tasted a good amount to put together this selection. You just have to decide which one will best brighten up your next aperitif!
The team’s favourites
Whilst some rosés are the subject of heated debate during our tasting sessions, others receive pretty much unanimous praise. The first of these is undoubtedly le Corail from Château de Roquefort in the Côte de Provence appellation. A delicious blend of Grenache, Syrah and other southern grape varieties, it brings together flavour and finesse wonderfully. And yet more lovely for its price, currently €13 on our site.
If some of you are wondering about what ageing potential can look like for a rosé, it might be time to try one from the talented, Corsican wine maker Antoine Arena. The texture and complexity of these cuvées make them a perfect accompaniment for a summery fish dish.
Provence’s Bandol appellation is bursting with excellent domains which were among the first to produce rosé. And one of these in particular stands out from the rest, the legendary Château Pradeau, a domain that has shaped the image of its appellation as much as that of Provence’s rosés as a whole! We highly recommend the 2019 vintage.
And last but not least of our favourites is from the Loire Valley. François Cotat, a veritable icon in Sancerre, crafts a cuvée that is deliciously fruity and sophisticated.
Natural and biodynamic rosés
Rosé has become a wonderful way to experiment for natural and biodynamic wine makers. This is a little bit harder for those making rosés and white wines than for reds because these wines are a bit more delicate. This means a tiny amount of sulphur is often added so as not to take any risks, but nothing too drastic!
Let’s begin in Burgundy, more specifically in Marsannay with the fantastic Sylvain Pataille who matures his rosé for no less than three years before putting it up for sale. This is a wine that should be left to express itself fully, so pair it with something delicate like a dish of white meat – you won’t be disappointed! Still in Marsannay, Bruno Clair produces some marvels with his intensely fruity and more traditional rosé cuvées.
Henri Milan is a big name in biodynamics within the Provence region, and he chose to leave the Baux-de-Provence appellation in 2007 in order to have more freedom in his creativity. His son, Théophile Milan, has crafted the Haru cuvée (which means ‘the arrival of spring’ in Japanese), a mature rosé for just €12. One to be enjoyed at any time during the day!
Looking to Savoie now, and a domain that we may never stop praising, so much is it one of our favourites. This is Domaine des Ardoisières, where they make a rosé from old Gamay vines grown in Saint-Pierre de Soucy. Vinified naturally with indigenous yeasts and matured for 9 months on lees, it will pair nicely with delicate dishes.
Provence classics
We haven’t gone into too much detail about the biggest Provence names as chances are you already know them quite well. But rest assured, we have plenty of lovely bottles from the likes of La Bégude, Rimauresq and Miraval in our rosé selection.
Rosés for sharing at less than €10
To finish off this selection, here are two bottles that are perfect to share with friends during an aperitif – something to look forward to! The first is a rosé that is clear in colour with a nose full of finesse and elegance from Domaine de Triennes – just €9! And the second is a biodynamic Tavel in a completely different tone made by Domaine Guigal. Quite dense and very aromatic, it’s a hit, and for less than €7.
