Four rosé wines you've probably never tried before for under €20
While a small but growing group of wine drinkers enjoy rosé wines throughout the year, sales generally peak when the weather warms up and the sun comes out. There is something about a glass of chilled rosé that sings of summer, al-fresco lunches and dinners on the terrace. Provence was always known for its pale crisp dry rosé, but in recent years it has become hugely fashionable.
I tasted two of the biggest names in Provence rosé recently, Whispering Angel (about €20 a bottle) and Minuty M limited Edition (€24.50). Both were well-made, clean and refreshing with attractive delicate strawberry fruits; classic Provence rosé.
The demand for very pale-coloured rosés being as strong as ever, virtually every wine region around the world now produces its own version, some better than others. Personally I prefer mine to have a little more fruit and character. So this week we go off-piste with some slightly different rosés, all costing less than €20.
Remember that a dark-coloured rosé wine is not an indicator of a sweet wine. Quite often they are fruitier but still bone dry. Rosés are among the most adaptable wines, perfect sipped poolside on a hot sunny day or before a barbecue, but great with food too. Serve one with mixed summer salads, spicy Asian food and even with barbecued white meats and fish.
READ MORE
Mithus Basilicata Rosato 2023
Mithus Basilicata Rosato 2023
13%, €12.99
Available for a limited period, a rich textured rosé, with jammy ripe strawberry fruits and a rounded finish. Enjoy with mixed summery salads.
From Lidl
Mesta Organic Rosado 2024, Ucles, Spain
Mesta Organic Rosado 2024, Ucles, Spain
12% abv, €14.95
Light, floral with ripe strawberry fruits. Try it with mixed tapas or grilled fish.
From Fíon Eile, D7; Red Island, Skerries; Pinto Wines, D9; White Gables, Galway
Petit Bourgeois Pinot Noir Rosé 2024, Henri Bourgeois
Petit Bourgeois Pinot Noir Rosé 2024, Henri Bourgeois
13%, €19.95 down to €14.95
A bowlful of juicy raspberries and red cherries. Fresh, aromatic, crisp and dry. Summer in a glass.
From O'Briens
Bodega Ameztoi Txacoli de Getaria Rosado 'Rubentis'
Bodega Ameztoi Txacoli de Getaria Rosado 'Rubentis'
10.5%, €19.45
Floral aroma, crisp citrus, and fresh, crunchy red summer fruits. Bone dry and lightly effervescent, this would go nicely with mixed vegetables and seafood tapas.
From Fíon Eile, D7; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Lennox St Grocers, D8; LeCaveau.ie; Seagull Bakery, Tramore; Lilith, D7; MacGuinness, Dundalk; Martin's, D3; 64Wines, Glasthule; TheAllotment.ie; Cass and Co, Dungarvan; L'Atitude, Cork; Drinks Store, Stoneybatter
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