2 days ago
Irish Sun's Rosé guide of 10 super sippers from €15, including ‘wonderful hit with fans' wine option perfect for summer
WE are celebrating the second week of the Irish Sun's Rosé fortnight today with ten more super pink sippers to toast the summer.
But before we go there, we have had some questions to answer which were submitted by readers since last week's column.
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Matthew Nugent has shared the best Rosés from only €15
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
How are Rosé
There are three methods used to make a Rosé wine: Maceration, Saignée or Blending.
Maceration:
The most common method.
Red wine grapes are pressed, and the juice is left in contact with the skins until the required pink hue is reached.
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The longer the juice remains on the skins, the darker the colour a wine will be.
Saignée:
The bleeding method in
This generally results in a vibrant Rosé. It can also intensify the remaining red wine's concentration.
Blending:
Usually used in crafting sparkling Rosés.
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A precise quantity of red wine is added to a vat of white wine in order to dye it pink. Only a small amount of red wine, around five per cent, is used.
Are Rosés with a paler colour better quality?
Five Lidl rosés you need this summer, according to a wine expert - a £6.99 buy is as light & crispy as £22 Whispering Angel
Absolutely not. This misconception has grown in recent years because of the popularity of ultra-fashionable dry Provence Rosés.
Some of these are almost water-white in colour and have little fruit character. Many developed for appearance rather than
That trend towards pale rosés has certainly influenced winemaking techniques.
Other factors that will affect the colour include any contact with oak during vinification, and the grape varieties used. Those with thicker skins will possess more colour pigment.
Do Rosé wines pair well with all food types?
Yes, yes and yes. There is a Rosé style for every food group. Its bracing acidity and freshness even now see a bottle or two appear during
These wines are not just for balmy summer days.
That freshness and acidity means they can be the perfect wine style to match with many food groups.
Light dry Rosés pair perfectly with salads and seafood.
Their crispy, slightly sweet character works extremely well. Match fruity Rosés with cheeses, providing the right sweetness and richness.
Medium-Bodied Dry Rosés, particularly from
And now for our ten premium Rosés – all taste tested and guaranteed to please.
Domaine Dailhol & Gautran Roseum 2024 (ABV 13%)
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Currently €15 @ Whelehan Wines
Grapes: Cinsault, Grenache
FROM Minervois, in the heart of
Allowed to remain for up to six months on the lees (spent yeast cells) after fermentation, the wine developed extra texture and body on the palate.
It has a pale pink colour when poured, with a nose of soft red summer fruit - redcurrants, strawberries and raspberries.
The palate is nicely rounded and balanced with those red fruit notes and good length on the finish.
Enjoy with:
Asian cuisine
Star rating: ****
Mimi Cótes de Provence Grand Reserve Rosé 2024 (ABV 12.5%)
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Currently €16.46 @ O'Briens Wine
Grapes: Cinsault, Grenache & Syrah
The vineyard is located in the foothills of the Maures
A combination of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes, the wine has a pale pink colour with enticing notes of crushed strawberries, lemon, and watermelon on the nose.
The palate is well balanced, with tangy, mouthwatering acidity and filled with summer fruit flavours.
Pleasantly long length on the finish.
Enjoy with:
Your favourite summer salad
Star rating ***
Born Rosé Barcelona 2023 (ABV 12%)
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Currently €16.46 @ O'Briens Wine
Grapes: Grenache & Tempranillo
A WONDERFUL hit with Rosé fans over the past two
From Spain's Catalonia region, this is a most refreshing pink, a pale rose petal colour in the glass.
It has citrus (grapefruit here) and passion fruit aromas, with hints of white flowers.
The palate is balanced and very refreshing, with raspberry and tropical notes and a light acidity on the finish.
Enjoy with:
Food friendly, but superb with tapas.
Star rating ****
Hacienda Lopez de Haro Rioja Rosé 2021 (ABV 12.5%)
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€17rrp @ good independents
Grapes: Viura, Garnacha
SUPERB light and dry Rioja Rosé conceived from a classic blend of Rioja grape varieties.
A pretty pale salmon colour, it has citrus, stone fruit and white flower notes on the nose.
The palate is silky with great balance, with cherry and red berry flavours. Good and very satisfying length on the finish.
The sweetness of the Garnacha and the freshness of the Viura combine particularly well.
Enjoy with:
Food friendly, but superb with
Star rating ***
E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Rosé 2024 (ABV 14.5%)
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€17.99 @ good independents
Grapes: Grenache, Cinsault & Syrah
A ROUND and quite rich Rosé from one of the Rhone valley's most respected winemaking
A clear, light salmon colour when poured, it has a bouquet of candied red fruits and citrus zest.
The palate has easy tannins, nice acidity and flavours of ripe red berries, cherry and plum, with a nice wisp of spice.
Enjoy with:
Perfect pairing with grilled sardines.
Star rating ****
Tommasi Le Fornaci Rosé 2023 (ABV 12.5%)
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€18.99 rrp @ good independents
Grapes: Turbiana, Rondinella
FROM their vineyards in Lugana, on the shores of
A vibrant pale pink hue, it has a rich bouquet of grapefruit, peach and a touch of citrus zest and a hint of minerality.
The palate is fresh, with citrussy acidity and tastes of red berry sorbet, peach and orange zest… with a lovely persistent finish.
Enjoy with:
Perfect pairing is pizza
Star rating ****
Boschendal The Rose Garden 2022 (ABV 12.5%)
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€19.99 rrp @ good independents
Grapes: Merlot, Pinotage
Attractive soft, salmon pink coloured, medium-bodied Rosé from sunny South Africa with an engrossing bouquet of raspberries, strawberries, cherry and just a floral hint.
The silky palate has great balance, is soft and juicy, delivering a combination of soft summer berries and moderate acidity, that finishes with a hint of spice.
Enjoy with:
Perfect pairing is
Star rating ****
Domaine Tour Campanets Rosé 2024 (ABV 12.5%)
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Currently €20 @ Whelehan Wines
Grapes: Grenache, Syrah
FROM Coteaux D'Aix en Provence, a little inland from the more trendy (and over-priced) Provencal coastal Rosés along the
White flowers and peaches are the mainstay of a very subtle bouquet.
The palate is super fresh, is rounded and has some depth, with notes of strawberries, and redcurrants.
Enjoy with:
Shellfish.
Star rating ****
Cotes du Rhone Rosé, La Solitude 2024 (ABV 12.5%)
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€22.50 rrp @ good independents
Grapes: Grenache, Cinsault & Syrah
BACK to the Rhone for this stunning biodynamic, rose-petal coloured wine, crafted from fruit harvested at night and very quickly pressed.
Gentle extraction techniques, then four months on the lees, gives it extra oomph while still remaining delicate and extremely smooth.
The purity of fruit – citrus, soft red
Enjoy with:
Smoked chicken salad
Star rating ****
Domaine Campanets Bois Des Fées Rosé 2024 (ABV 13%)
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Currently €25 @ Whelehan Wines
Grapes: Grenache, Syrah
A PALE, golden-pink colour, this spectacular Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Rosé possesses a wonderful bouquet of red berries and pink grape fruit.
The crisp palate is powerful, complex and layered, with notes of melon, peach and fresh red berries slowly unfolding to tantalise the taste buds.
The finish is exceptionally long and exceptionally satisfying.
Enjoy with:
Seared scallops
Star rating ****
