Rose proves its worth

Thirst-quenching, full of fruit and definitely back in fashion, the demand for rosé wines is soaring. Pinkish, sweetish wines used to be regarded as the preserve of those who couldn't make their minds up between red or white, but now rosé is mainstream. The style has changed to provide strawberry-packed flavours, and most of them have ditched the sweetness to give crisp, crunchy styles which go particularly well with food.

One of the main changes is that many ros wines are no longer made as a by-product of red wine making. These days grapes are grown and the wine is made with ros definitely in mind. It means that the grapes are picked at the right time to give those delicious crisp flavours and the fruit is fresher and more vibrant. The boom in sales has provoked a boom in new wines, so that huge sections of the wine shelves are now devoted to ros. All you have to do is decide on the style you

like and the price you want to pay.

I have been tasting through the available wines and here are some of my favourites.

Under 5

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Gran Tesoro Garnacha Ros 2009, Campo de Borja, Spain, Tesco, 3.99

Terrific flavours at a bargain basement price from the Campo de Borja area, just south of Navarra where higher altitudes keep growing temperatures cool. Made from 100 per cent Garnacha, it bursts on to the palate with lively cherry and spice flavour. It isn't complex or difficult, just straightforward fun.

Marquis de Pennautier Ros 2009, Cabards, France, Majestic 4.99 on multibuy until July 19

Built in the style of Versailles in the 17th century, Ch de Pennautier is packed with history, and until recently its wines were rather historic in style too. But things have changed and they have moved

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

up in quality. Definitely a bargain at this offer price, try this light-textured redcurrant and raspberry style ros,

with a streak of spice which makes it good to combine with fish, salads and Thai-spiced dishes.

Under 7

Rserve de la Saurine Ros 2009. Vin de Pays du Gard, Marks and Spencer 5.99

A new addition to the M&S range, made from a typical Rhne blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan and Syrah this is delightfully aromatic and full of juicy raspberry and cherry fruit. It has the taste of summer in the bottle – enjoy it on its own or drink with salads and snacks.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Brown Brothers Moscato Rosa 2009, Victoria, Australia, Waitrose 6.49

With just seven per cent alcohol, this is the perfect ros if you are sipping all day. Packed with sherbetty, strawberry fruit and lightened with a touch of fizz, this is an all-day quaffer with just a touch of sweetness to appeal to a wide range of palates.

Domaine Begude Pinot Ros 2009, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Majestic 6.99 on multibuy

You only need to buy two bottles of this wine as part of your mixed six-pack of wine at Majestic, but frankly, why stop at two? This is pure Pinot Noir grown (almost) organically in the hills of Limoux in southern France. Pale in colour, it is crisp and refreshing with an elegant, delicate style and gentle strawberry fruit. Bone dry, it harmonises with food extremely well and can be enjoyed as an aperitif, then carried through to lunch – from baked salmon to a cold roast beef salad.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Saint Roch-les-Vignes, Ctes de Provence, Oddbins 5.99 on multibuy

The curvy, skittle-shaped bottle is typical of Provence, as is the light salmon-pink colour and the smooth-tasting, floral, Grenache and Cinsault-based fruit. Drink this with seafood and cold meats.

Alasia Brachetto d'Acqui 2008, Piemonte, Italy, Hoults (01484 510700) 6.99

Don't tell your guests this is low in alcohol (just 5.5 per cent) and they won't start to judge it, other than for its sheer strawberry fruit and sweet, sparkling style. All you need is a garden, a deckchair, hat and sunshine, with a glass of this within reach.

Maguelonne Ch de la Selve 2009, Oddbins 9.99

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Full of the lively spiced-raspberry fruit of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, this is a perfect summer drinking wine to drink on its own or to pour alongside salmon, lightly spiced dishes and even strawberries. If you can't get to an Oddbins, there is a bottle of this in the Yorkshire Post Wine Club July tasting case.

Under 10

Torres San Medin Cabernet Sauvignon Ros 2009, Chile, Waitrose 7.29

From the Chilean outpost of the Torres empire, San Medin is made

from 100 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon which gives the wine a core of blackcurrant and raspberry fruit. There's a hint of sweetness on the finish, but in sunshine, this just balances out the flavour. Try drinking it alongside lightly spiced canaps or a mild

chicken curry.

Muga Rosado 2009 Rioja, Spain, Waitrose 8.15

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

You may be more used to red or white Rioja, but the small family firm Muga also make a delicious ros from Garnacha and Tempranillo grapes. It has ripe, red apple fruit, underpinned with crisp citrus acidity and rather more depth and complexity than many other ross. Perfect with foods such as tapas, gazpacho and langoustines.

English Ros 2009, Marks and Spencer 9.99

Made from grapes grown in Sussex, and Kent, this wine is only available in larger stores, but it is well worth seeking out for its delicate, floral aromas and crisp, citrussy style. It is light, tangy and laced with summer fruits and is just perfect to go with scallops, salmon and salad nioise.

Musar Jeune 2008, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, Harrogate Fine Wine (01423 522270) 9.99

Fresher in style than the old Musar ros, this is pure Cinsault with aromas of raspberries, red apples and a touch of almonds on the finish. Drink with seafood and roast chicken.

Push the boat out

Ch Coussin Ste Victoire Ros 2009, Oddbins 13.99

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Delicate in colour and aroma, this wine builds on the palate to justify its price. Made from Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grown on foothills of the Sainte Victoire mountain in this sunny part of Provence, this is classic, classy drinking for summer dinner parties.

YP MAG 10/7/10

Related topics: