Latest news with #Provence
Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales exile stuns stadium with two moments of magic as George North defeated
Wales exile stuns stadium with two moments of magic as George North defeated The Welsh fly-half pulled the strings in a masterful display as his side took another step towards promotion to the top flight Davies pulled the strings as North (inset) had a frustrating night Wales international Sam Davies delivered another masterful performance as he guided Grenoble to victory in their Pro D2 play-off semi-final against George North's Provence. The former Ospreys and Dragons fly-half - who won the last of his eight Welsh caps in 2017 - has been a revelation since moving to France two years ago, earning glowing reviews week in, week out and being named as the league's player of the season at the end of his maiden campaign across the Channel. His outstanding performances were not quite enough to guide Grenoble to promotion to the Top 14 last season, as they suffered an agonising play-off final defeat to Vannes. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. However, Davies and his team-mates are determined to go all the way this time around and made a very promising start to their play-off journey as they recorded a commanding 38-17 win over Provence in Thursday night's semi-final. As usual, the 31-year-old was at the heart of the action as he notched 18 points with his boot, nailing three conversions and three penalties as well as landing a stunning drop goal towards the end of the the first half. With Grenoble leading 13-0, Provence cleared the ball from a goal-line drop-out, but it fell right into the hands of Davies, who caught it while stood just inside his own half. After stepping into the opposition half, however, the Welshman let fly with his left foot from 40 metres out, with the ball sailing through the posts to send the home fans wild and put his team further clear, with Romain Fusier crossing for a try moments before half-time. However, Davies would top his drop goal just two minutes after the break, as he set up his side's third try in remarkable style and at the expense of his fellow Wales international North. Despite their commanding lead, Grenoble flew out of the blocks again in the second half and piled pressure on Provence, with Thibaut Martel reading the run of North and leaving him on the deck with a thumping tackle that saw the Welsh legend spill the ball loose. The ball was instead pounced upon as the home side started a counter-attack, and it fell into Davies' hands again just outside the Provence 22. From there, he floated a pinpoint cross-field kick in the direction of the onrushing Gerswin Mouton and it bounced just inside the left touchline and into the arms of the wing as he evaded two defenders to touch down. It was another moment of magic from Davies, who earned the plaudits from his team-mates, fans and the media post-match, with reporters in France hailing him as a "maestro". Article continues below For North, however, it was a less memorable night as he was withdrawn from the action after 52 minutes, with his team falling to defeat despite having a man advantage for the final 25 minutes after Richard Hardwick was shown a red card. Grenoble will now go on to face either Brive or Montauban in the final next weekend as they bid to win promotion to the Top 14. Wales international Ross Moriarty is set to feature for Brive in their semi-final on Friday night, with the back rower looking to give a parting gift to his side before his expected return to Welsh rugby with the Ospreys next season.
Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Forget celebrity labels – these are the Provence rosés really worth their price tag
When luxury-goods conglomerate LVMH acquired a controlling stake in Château d'Esclans – the makers of Whispering Angel – at the end of 2019, the deal crystallised the existence of a new era for Provence rosé. Perhaps you feel all fuzzy and escapist about pale pink rosé from the south of France, like you might about croissants from a village boulangerie or chicken with a million cloves of garlic at a family-run bistro on a dappled square. The reality, these days, is that a lot of Provence rosé is controlled by big money. It's not just the celebrity wine producers: the Brad Pitts and Carla Brunis. It's also the multi-millionaires and billionaires whose organisations sell this shimmering, pale pink liquid in beautiful bottles, like a fragment of a summer dream, to the likes of me and you. Take the case of LVMH, whose founder and CEO, Bernard Arnault, is usually found near the top of Forbes 's billionaires list, not far beneath Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. As well as Château d'Esclans, LVMH also owns (since 2019) Château Galoupet, a historical rosé estate overlooking the Mediterranean, and (since 2023) a controlling stake in the well-known Château Minuty, close to St Tropez. Rosé wine specialist Elizabeth Gabay MW has estimated that the production of Whispering Angel alone (d'Esclans has several other brands) is around 14 million bottles and that Minuty's combined brands number around nine million bottles. For perspective, the entire Côtes de Provence appellation, covering some 50,000 acres, made the equivalent of 102 million bottles in 2023. It doesn't stop there. If you shop in Waitrose, you may have been tempted by the beautiful ridged bottles of Ultimate Provence (sadly I'm not so keen on the £20 wine inside as I am on the vessel), which, along with Château de Berne, is part of MDCV, whose website claims sales of 'over 4 million bottles' from its French estates. The owner of MDCV is Mark Dixon, a Monaco-based The Sunday Times Rich List regular and the founder of the serviced office business IWG. Now, I like some of the Minuty wines; they are typically streamlined and pure, with a silky strength. I also like Rock Angel by Whispering Angel (around £27.50) and, especially, the scented G de Galoupet Côtes de Provence (around £22.50, Ocado and Jeroboams), an immaculate Provence rosé that is recommended. But those prices are toppy. Although not as toppy as the price of Lady A Rosé (£24.99 if you buy it at Selfridges, though it has just gone in to M&S and Ocado at £17.50), a wine that seems to be having a tilt at becoming the new Whispering Angel. It was created for the 40th birthday of Meghan Sussex's bestie Markus Anderson, has a butterfly motif designed by Damien Hirst on the bottle and is made at Château La Coste, which is owned by Irish property developer Paddy McKillen. Soho House Chateau La Coste Lady A Rosé, £24.99, Selfridges Lady A is marketed on the Ocado website as a 'Provence Rosé'. It is indeed crafted (their word) at Château La Coste, which is in Provence – but it doesn't carry the official Provence rosé appellation d'origine protégée (AOP). Instead, it has a more modest IGP Méditerranée designation – indication géographique protégée, or 'protected geographical indication'. Formerly known as vin de pays, IGP wines can be very good, and I often recommend them as budget-friendly alternatives to pricier Côtes de Provence or Côteaux d'Aix en Provence bottles. But in the case of Lady A, the taste doesn't justify the price. If you're in for that level of spend, or thereabouts, I have listed the Provence rosés that I love below. Please note that as I write this it's early in the season and not all the wines I would like to have tasted have landed. But the sun is out, and we want pink in our glasses now. I also have a more budget-friendly rosé article in the pipeline that will look at rosé from beyond the Provence AOPs. Watch out for that as there are some brilliant cheaper wines around this year and I have lots of tips. In the meantime, enjoy! Try these
Forbes
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test-Driving The 2025 Porsche Macan 4S Electric
2025 Porsche Macan Electric 4S in "Provence." The Porsche Macan compact sport crossover has been on sale with a combustion-only powertrain for more than a decade. Now, the German automaker is complementing the popular five-passenger internal combustion engine (ICE) model with a pure electric vehicle (EV) variant. While they share the same surname and most would be hard-pressed to tell them apart from a distance, the all-new 'Macan Electric' EV, built on VW Group's Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform, offers a roomier passenger cabin and more standard features than the gasoline-burning models. And, in typical Porsche fashion, the all-new EV doesn't give up an ounce of its celebrated driving dynamics or performance despite its emission-free powertrain. Porsche is currently selling four variants of the Macan EV: Macan, Macan 4, Macan 4S, and Macan Turbo. The base Macan is fitted with a single motor on the rear axle (rear-wheel drive), while the Macan 4, Macan 4S, and Macan Turbo boast a second motor on the front axle (all-wheel drive). The automaker tunes the output of the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PSM) for different power levels, ranging from 335 hp to 630 hp (with Launch Control). All models share the same 95.0 kWh battery, which supports DC fast charging at up to 270 kW. In a unique move, the platform's 800-volt architecture allows charging speeds of up to 135 kW by splitting the pack into two separate 400-volt units when hooked up to a high-powered charger—Porsche says it can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 21 minutes. Range varies from 288 miles (Turbo and 4S) to 315 miles (base Macan). The interior of the Porsche Macan Electric 4S Putting the new EV through its paces, I added about 500 miles to the odometer of a Macan 4S during a recent week in Los Angeles. I drove like a commuter (crawled in bumper-to-bumper traffic), trekked across the LA Basin for lunch meetings, and took friends out to dinner in the evenings. I also zoomed up my favorite canyon roads—obligatory for a driving enthusiast—and cruised Pacific Coast Highway. I like to believe I drove the Macan like an actual owner would (on that note, I'll mention that I'm a current owner, with a 2018 Macan currently parked in my home garage, which I've owned since it was new). The new Macan EV platform is a visual ringer to its predecessor—the four-door hatchback retains its sporty appearance and aggressive stance. Still, a keen eye will note that Porsche moved the headlights down to a lower position while leaving the daytime running lights (DRLs) in their familiar spot. Most exterior dimensions remain about the same, but the wheelbase has been slightly stretched, providing second-row passengers more room. It's not unusual for a vehicle to grow with each refresh, but thankfully, Porsche kept the Macan's dimensions true to the original design—concise and visually appealing. Those familiar with the previous generations of Macan will feel right at home within the redesigned cabin. The EV features more technology and innovation, along with a long list of additional standard features compared to the ICE variant. However, Porsche hasn't compromised the intimate sports car feel that makes the Macan popular among driving enthusiasts. The automaker hasn't gone overboard with luxury—the theme is 'sporty with an emphasis on premium materials' (step up to the Porsche Cayenne if you are interested in being pampered with luxury features). The front seats are very comfortable, and the view outside is good (Macan models have always had a restricted view out the rear, and the EV makes no exception). As mentioned, the rear seats of the EV offer a couple of extra inches of legroom compared to the ICE model, which my six-foot, two-inch frame appreciated. The 4S is neck-snapping quick—the motors deliver up to 509 hp during Launch Control. Porsche claims the benchmark 0-60 mph sprint takes a mere 3.9 seconds, but their numbers are always conservative—take another few tenths off that time if you want the real-world number. Unlike the power delivery in an ICE vehicle, which often requires a second or two for the engine to 'catch up,' electric motors deliver instant torque at any throttle position, regardless of temperature or altitude. Merging into traffic, passing other vehicles, or just zipping ahead to avoid a collision with a car in a blind spot is effortless. It's also plenty fast—Porsche says it will top out at 149 mph if you find asphalt where it's legal. The Porsche Macan Electric 4S in "Provence." On the road, the cabin is hushed—credit low drag (Cd of .26 on the 4S), acoustic laminated glass, and excellent sound absorption. The ride is impeccable, thanks to standard air suspension with adaptive dampers coupled with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). The dampers feature innovative dual-chamber air springs with separate valves for compression and rebound. Variable ride height offers ground clearance between 6.7 and 8.8 inches, depending on driving mode. Don't get into a dogfight with the Macan 4S in a twisty canyon, as chances are you won't win. Gobs of torque from a pair of electric motors, coupled with electronically controlled active all-wheel drive with Porsche Traction Management (ePTM), a pavement-kissing low center of gravity, and 52 percent of the vehicle's mass over the rear axle, is a recipe for agile handling and dynamic prowess. While the 5,269-pound curb weight is nothing to boast about (it's a bit heavy), body roll is negligible, and it's fun to toss playfully—you can even get the tail to kick out. The wide staggered contact patch wrapped in Michelin EV-tuned summer performance tires (235/55-20 and 285/45-20, front and rear, respectively) delivers enough grip to challenge even a low-slung sports car—according to the Porsche Sport Chrono display, I pulled an impressive 1.12 G's while cornering. Braking is also one of the Macan's strengths. Porsche fits 6-piston calipers to 14.8-inch front rotors (complemented with 4-piston calipers on the rear), but traditional hydraulic brakes are only part of the equation. Digital brake regeneration—or 'recuperation' as Porsche calls it—also occurs. Seamlessly blending a hydraulic system with an electronic system is as much a challenging art as it is a science—most automakers fail. Porsche put the time, effort, and engineering prowess into polishing the system to perfection—it's nearly faultless, as even the most discerning driver will be challenged to feel the handoff through the brake pedal, even when pushed to the limit. Many shoppers for electric vehicles are hyper-focused on range. Thankfully, Porsche is conservative in its range estimates. I was easily able to squeeze more miles out of each charge, with the actual miles exceeding displayed estimates (even when I was pushing hard), giving plenty of peace of mind. Of note, the range instantly updates when the drive modes are altered—switch out of 'Sport Plus' to 'Normal' and the remaining range recalculates. 2025 Porsche Macan Electric 4S in "Provence." As I've stated many times, it's best to think of the Macan as a compact five-passenger crossover version of the 911—the all-new Macan EV legitimately continues the theme. The Macan Electric, which starts at $75,300, targets driving enthusiasts seeking a pure-EV crossover with 300 miles of range, quick on-the-go charging capabilities, and Porsche's celebrated chassis tuning and vehicle dynamics. It's fast, comfortable, efficient, and it has the engineering prowess to effortlessly keep up with everything else if the road turns twisty.
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- General
- Buzz Feed
If You Cook In A Teeny, Tiny Kitchen, You'll Adore These 20 Walmart Products
A paper towel holder designed to be mounted on a wall so you can utilize every inch of coveted counter space. Reviewers love that this gadget is easy to clean and can be installed vertically or horizontally to best suit your needs. Promising review: 'I got very tired of cleaning around my countertop towel holder, so I bought this to put under my cabinets. Works great! The lip on the end is large enough that the roll rarely falls off, and the color matches my kitchen hardware perfectly. Easy enough to install.' —MonicaPrice: $7.63 A rotating spice rack with 16 pre-filled and labeled spice jars so you can make sure your food is always seasoned to perfection. The two-tier rack makes spices easy to find, while the large labels can help you distinguish sea salt from celery salt. Plus, it comes with five years of free spice refills. This set includes the spice rack and basil, bay leaves, celery salt, chives, coriander, crushed mint, fennel seed, herbs de Provence, Italian seasoning, marjoram, oregano, parsley, pizza seasoning, rosemary, sea salt, and seasoning review: 'Looks nice and has a bunch of useful spices that I regularly use, without taking up much space. Half of the spices, I put away in my cabinet to make room for my favorite ones.' —SpydiePrice: $19.98+ (available in two styles) A sink caddy to hold sponges, dish wands, and more. This is great for those with minimal counter space, especially around the sink. Reviewers love that it stores items upright so they can dry quickly, and has a removable center base that makes it easy to clean. Promising review: 'I love this. Both my wands fit in this, and my sponge fits perfectly. It sits on my sink with no problem, and doesn't fall over every time I take something out of it.' —katPrice: $5.57 A versatile (and adorable) variable speed immersion blender that takes up significantly less space than your average hulking stand mixer. While this lil' appliance can't mix everything, it's perfectly suitable for blending soups, chopping ingredients, and more in a matter of minutes. This immersion blender comes with a 2.5-cup chopper, a stainless steel whisk attachment, and a 24-ounce measuring review: 'This tool is amazing. It can take the place of quite a few of your other kitchen gadgets. I was surprised at the power of this small beast. It did a great job and made the job safe and easy.' —MomandTeacherPrice: $31.20+ (available in eight colors) A wooden spice rack with three tiers for folks who want to keep all of their spices organized and in the same place. The efficient rack even boasts an expandable feature so it can be sized to fit your spice collection. Pass the cayenne pepper! Promising review: 'With this spice rack, I have room to add more. It makes my shelf look so much better being organized, and I can find what I need quickly. I love the fact it is bamboo, and it blends nicely on my wooden shelf.' —PeggyPrice: $16.83 (also available as a two-pack) A six-piece knife set that'll cut meat, fresh produce, and everything in between. Each knife has a stainless-steel blade and an ergonomically designed handle — plus, they all fit into a compact, solid-wood storage block. The set includes a 3-inch paring knife, a 5-inch utility knife, a 5-inch chef knife, a 5-inch santoku knife, all-purpose scissors, and a natural wood storage review: 'I was looking for new knives and didn't want as huge of a knife block as I had. I literally never needed to use six steak knives at one time. This small set is working fine for my family of four. The scissors are low quality, and the knives aren't amazing, but they're much better than my old ones. And these are easy on the budget. Overall, it met my needs, and I have to give him five stars for price and value. Would I buy them again? Yep.' —BethanyPrice: $14.97 A Keurig single-serve coffee maker for when you don't feel like making a whole pot of java in the a.m. This appliance is handy for people with small kitchens because it's very narrow and doesn't take up much counter space. Promising review: 'I love this Keurig; it's exactly what I needed. I was looking for a sturdy K-cup machine that travels well and is compact; this was the perfect one. This Keurig works fast and brews a great-tasting cup of coffee. I love the color (light green), the ease of refilling the reservoir, the speedy brew time, and the design. I would recommend this product.' —MargaretPrice: $39.97+ (originally $59; available in four colors) A wire can dispenser you can use to organize your pantry, and thus save space. This three-tiered organizer holds up to 27 cans, and features a gravity flow design that allows cans to roll forward when one is removed. Promising review: 'I love how much space this saves me in my small pantry area. I'm able to efficiently store my cans in a small space. It seems to be well-made and sturdy. Put it on a sturdy shelf because it weighs quite a bit once it is loaded! I had no trouble putting it together — simple assembly.' —DebPrice: $19.97 for one A Ninja food chopper you can use to chop, mince, and purée a variety of ingredients. This small appliance does the job of many different kitchen tools, and significantly ~cuts~ down on meal prep time. It's also very easy to clean. Promising review: 'This is the best food chopper I have used, and I have owned quite a few. It is sturdy, strong, and beautifully made. Chops evenly and easily. Control over the chop is great. A little awkward being a bit top-heavy with the powerful motor in the top unit. However, the receptacle is also well-made and has a nice gripping bottom stabilizing the unit. This is a small caveat considering the great design and performance of the chopper.' —Walmart CustomerPrice: $22.96 (also available in a two-pack) A compact two-slice toaster with a touchscreen, because your bread deserves the best. This adorable appliance features seven settings and a browning control with convenient preset buttons, and can accommodate a variety of different sized breads, including bagels. Promising review: 'Love, love, love the look of this! The purple color is also so pretty! Gone are the days of our eyesore old toaster! My fiancée lets me keep it out 'on display' because it's so cute!! Besides the looks, though, it also functions fabulously so far! I love the touch screen and options for toasting, AND it toasts so beautifully!!' —LaurenPrice: $39.96+ (available in seven colors) A dish-drying rack that'll fit right over your sink as your dishes dry. This rack has slits that allow water to drip down and features silicone ends to protect your sink and counter and keep it from slipping. When it's not in use, you can just roll it up. Promising review: 'I keep it in place and literally just roll it up if I need the sink. It's sturdy, easy to clean, and easy on the eyes. It has a nonslip surface and I've laid some pretty sharp knives across it to dry! Nice to have it if there's no room for a dish drainer.' —momsavvyPrice: $18.38 A compact 3-in-1 egg cooker for those who want to make hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs, or omelets without having to use a bunch of pans on the stove. This gadget fits up to seven eggs at a time, making it easy to whip up a quick breakfast. Promising review: 'I love this egg cooker. It's small, holds up to seven eggs, is simple to use and clean, and cooks the eggs perfectly. The eggs peeled so easily. I love it. I bought one for my daughter because I like mine so much. My 4-year-old granddaughter, with supervision, makes hardboiled eggs, poached eggs, or omelets each morning using this cooker.' —CharlaPrice: $32.44+ (available in two colors) A set of four organization bins that'll add some order to any refrigerator or pantry and save you precious real estate. Since these bins are clear, you can see exactly what's inside, and they're a cinch to clean in the event of a spill. Each set includes four 14.10 x 5.40 x 12.10-inch review: 'These are very handy for larger shelving that needs compartments or higher hard-to-reach back-of-shelf usage. These bins help make items more accessible overall and still visible because they are clear. They make kitchen pantry and cabinet shelves more functional and easier to access. And if something spills or leaks, it is contained! The bins are so easy to clean quickly.' —JBeePrice: $19.97 A set of matching oven mitts and pot holders to protect your hands from hot dishes. Each piece is machine washable, and the mitts are heat resistant up to 480 degrees. They also have little loops to store them on your stove or pot rack with hooks. The set includes two oven mitts and two matching pot review: 'This is exactly what I've been looking for! Super comfortable and made of good, quality fabric. Easy to put on quickly when needed. Fast clean-up. And very heat-resistant.' —YehudiPrice: $9.92 A cold brew coffee maker that can fit on your refrigerator door, instead of occupying counter space. This dishwasher-safe item, which is also great for hot coffee or tea, features an airtight leakproof lid that locks in freshness and flavor. Price: $16.99+ (available in two sizes and three colors) A small soap dispensing sink brush from KitchenAid so you can clean all of your dishes and nonstick cookware in minutes. As you're washing your dishes, simply push the button on the brush to release just the right amount of dish soap and start scrubbing! Promising review: 'This is the best soap brush for the kitchen I have ever used. It has held up wonderfully, even with two teenagers. There is absolutely no leaking from it like others that I have tried.' —TammyPrice: $17.66 for two A set of nesting measuring cups to accurately measure a variety of ingredients. The multicolored set is dishwasher-safe and easy to store even if you're low on space. This set includes sizes from 1/4 teaspoon up to one review: 'This product is great. I've had it for more than 5 years and can attest the durability of these cups. They are colorful and beautiful to lift someone's mood whilst using them.' —AnikaPrice: $8.86 A small KitchenAid can opener that also acts as a bottle opener so you don't need to bother with purchasing two gadgets. Even if you don't cook often, this item will still get plenty of use. Promising review: 'The best can opener I ever owned. Opens cans smooth as a pie.' —RichardPrice: $14.35+ (available in two colors) A set of six colorful mixing bowls so you can prep doughs, salads, glazes, and more. Each bowl has a matching lid so you can also use them to store food. Plus, these useful bowls can nest in each other to save space, and are all dishwasher- and microwave safe. This set includes a 6-quart bowl, a 3.9-quart bowl, a 2.3-quart bowl, a 1.4-quart bowl, a .75-quart bowl, and a .3-quart bowl, all with matching review: 'I love them. I like how they have lids so if I mix anything up and have leftovers I don't have to throw it away or find another container to place it in!!!' —AngelPrice: $19.96 (available in two colors) A tiered shelf so you can store more dishes in your kitchen cabinets without creating chaos. The shelf establishes two layers (gotta utilize that vertical space) that allow you to organize glasses, plates, and mugs. You can also use it in your pantry or under the sink. Promising review: 'This rack is strong, sturdy, and well-made. I am not concerned about stacking my everyday Lenox cereal bowls and breakfast plates on and under it. It does not wiggle and wobble like the old ones I tossed out did. I can see it used in the cabinet under the kitchen or bathroom sink and in the pantry or craft room. I was impressed with how well it is made and will be ordering a couple more. Strong and Sturdy.' —CarolPrice: $16.63 for one Need ingredients for all your new recipes? Shop each recipe directly through the app, or check out Walmart's grocery selection to get veggies, meat, seafood, and more delivered right to your door. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I tested supermarket dupes of posh Whispering Angel rosé… flavour-packed winner is as good as original at half the price
WHEN it comes to popular pink wines, Whispering Angel has an A-list reputation. Fans include Adele, Lady Gaga and the Beckhams. While this stylish rosé comes with plenty of celebrity backing, it also boasts a VIP price tag of around £20. But supermarkets have similar styles on their shelves at smaller prices. This week, Lidl launched its new blush tribute Breath of Paradise at a more palatable £10.99. And there are other more affordable alternatives elsewhere worth shouting about too. Here, wine expert Helena Nicklin looks at the best bottles to keep you in the pink. Breath of Paradise £10.99, Lidl LIDL says this tipple offers all the taste of Whispering Angel at half the price. The original's popularity is partly due to the stunning packaging, as well as the delicious wine. And while some alternatives are simply good-looking copies, others are decent rosé wines with similar flavour profiles but from different places. Lidl's blatant but beautiful Whispering Angel dupe has the vibe of the real thing but also flavour. This fellow Cotes de Provence wine knocks it out of the park as an alternative. Think ripe white peaches, sliced strawberry and cantaloupe melon, all held in by a slick of saltiness. Just like the costly celestial sip, but a lot cheaper. 5/5 Sainte Victoire Provence Rosé £10.99, Aldi ANOTHER wannabe that is well worth making some noise about. Sainte Victoire is actually its own, high-quality, designated area in Provence, while Whispering Angel is rosé wine made with a blend from all over the Cotes de Provence. This makes Aldi's a particularly high- class dupe – and the price even more notable. Sainte Victoire pinks are especially crisp, lean and mineral with subtle strawberry and peach notes in the background. A classy thirst slaker that is on the leaner, paler, more complex side. Delicious, and looks beautiful in the glass. A perfect drop to enjoy in the garden on a warm summer day if you can't make it to the South of France. 4/5 The Best Touraine Rosé £8.50, Morrisons FOR this Whispering wannabe, we are stepping away from Provence in the South of France and moving north to the Loire Valley. But that does not mean you won't get a similar sip in your glass. This rosé region offers a lot of what you want from Whispering Angel. A glass of this gives a blend of juicy Gamay and crunchy Cabernet Franc grapes, so you can expect a pleasing dollop of tangy, red fruit. There is a zippy acidity and cool mineral character keeping it all balanced. It is excellent value as well. A new pink pretender that is worth grabbing – so get ahead of the A-list and give it a try. Tell your friends Touraine is the next big thing. 4/5 Fleur De Lise Rosé £8.50, M&S THIS pretty pink, which you can pick up for less than a tenner, packs a super flavour punch without being too sweet or acidic. Hailing from Saint-Mont in the foothills of the Pyrenees, it is another option that is not from Provence but is still surprisingly elegant when you consider it is made with bold red grapes lsuch as Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is a dry, savoury, textural vino that is crisp, gluggable and lovely with a barbecue. Have a glass when you are dining alfresco in the sunshine and toast to all the money you will have saved by opting for a less spendy but still seriously enjoyable bottle. 3/5 Bijou Sophie Valrose Coteaux de Beziers £9.25 (£7.75 Nectar), Sainsbury's BIJOU translates from French as jewel and this is definitely a gem of a wine that pays tribute to Sophie Valrose, who challenged the exploitation of women in vineyards in the 19th century. The bottle is as photogenic and appealing as Whispering Angel, which is not to be overlooked if you are posing for all-important social media pics. The content takes a sideways step from Provence to the Languedoc region, where you find excellent-value pinks that have a splash more fruit thanks to a slightly warmer climate and different soils. It is refreshing with some soft, raspberry fruit. A decent drop at a super-saving price. 3/5 Gérard Bertrand Cote des Rosés £10, Co-op ANOTHER Languedoc legend, ex- French rugby pro turned winemaker Gérard Bertrand makes this perfumed pink that punches way above its weight for a tenner. Made with the same blend often used in neighbouring Provence, it is fuller than some but still elegant and refreshing. Think beautiful, ripe berry notes from the Grenache and Syrah balancing a crisp tang from the Cinsault grape. This doesn't just look appealing, in a beautiful bottle designed to look like a rose bloom, it has won plenty of prizes, too. Perfect for a party, especially if you have bottles out where guests can see them. A great gift, too. 4/5 La Vieille Ferme Rosé £8.50, Tesco THE original Whispering Angel dupe and it is still very worthy. The famous 'Chicken Wine' has won many rosé lovers' hearts thanks to its pretty packaging, appealing pastel hue and surprisingly pocket-friendly price tag. It is more than just a copycat, too. This hails from the warmer Rhone Valley and is made by the famous Perrin wine family, with the same grapes as many Provence styles. The result is a riper, more fruity style but everything is perfectly in balance. Now enjoying cult status, it is one to ruffle the feathers of the big-name bottle and is a long-time bargain. 3/5 Mare Meua Pinot Noir Rosé £5.52, Asda IF it is a poolside party vibe you are after for not much cash, you need to try this. With an enticing beach scene on the bottle, its label gives off glamorous Cote d'Azur looks. But, in fact, this blush hails from Spain. And what is inside is very good for the price. Made with Pinot Noir, it has more of a ripe, raspberry tang but it is pale and refreshing with a touch of sweetness. It gets a little rough as it warms up, so keep it super-chilled so it is only the holiday feel heating up. You could throw in ice cubes to enhance the 'by the beach' experience and drink it in your cossie in the garden. 3/5
