The best rosé wine officially comes from Marks & Spencer

This isn’t just any bottle of blush…

There’s nothing quite like a chilled glass of crisp rosé on a hot day but, with more choice than ever before, knowing which one to choose in a category teeming with options can be confusing.

Luckily, the International Wine Challenge Awards has made our decision a little easier by announcing the best supermarket to pick up a bottle of blush.

Often referred to as the Oscars of the wine world, the International Wine Challenge Awards 2018 has named Marks & Spencer as Specialist Rosé Merchant of the Year.

The high street stalwart was awarded the accolade by a panel of wine experts who tested thousands of wines from retailers around the world, keeping in mind factors such as value, quality, sustainability and flavour.

With over 40 different rosés to choose from, from on-trend Provence to deeply fruity zinfandels, mini-bottles, wine pouches and magnums, it was Marks & Spencer’s extensive range of rosés that meant they scooped the top prize.

‘We’re absolutely thrilled to be named Best Rose Supermarket of the Year by the experts at IWC,” says Dror Nativ, Wine Trading Manager, M&S.

“The award is testament to the hard work of our talented wine team, who will leave no stone (or vine) unturned to seek out the best wines for our customers. Rose wine is becoming increasingly popular – from great value, refreshing picnic pinks, to more serious special occasion wines, rose is really establishing itself, and I’m delighted we’ve been recognised as the specialists on the high street.”

Marks & Spencer's best-selling rosé wine:Coteaux Varois en Provence, £54 for a case of six. Buy now

Marks & Spencer wasn’t the only supermarket to be recognised at this year’s International Wine Challenge Awards though.

Aldi was awarded Supermarket of the Year, while Co-Op was named National Convenience Chain of the Year.

Similarly, Tesco also proved successful at the awards, scoring 64 medals overall with their Tesco Finest* Vintage Port 1997 (£20) and Tesco Finest* Chablis Premier Cru 2015 (£15) scooping Gold medals.

The supermarket also came top of the high street for their British bubbly, Tesco Finest* English Sparkling Wine (£17.50), which won a Silver medal.

“We’re always thrilled to see good wines positioned at a reasonable and accessible price points,” Charles Metcalfe, Co-Chair at the International Wine Challenge says in a statement.

“And gone is supermarket snobbery; these days many of us head to our ‘local’ to pick up a bottle – and it’s good for consumers to know that the supermarket can be as good a place as any to find really decent, in fact sometimes exceptional wine. Our congratulations to some worthy winners.”