Five myths about rosé wine debunked – and 15% off five bottles to try now

Gourdon 921 Coq Rosé is the sort of rosé that makes you reconsider everything you thought you knew about pink wine. It pours into the glass with a pale, delicate blush, the colour of a summer sunset. The nose is immediately inviting, offering an enticing bouquet of fresh strawberries, ripe watermelon and just a hint of rose petals – a fragrant promise of the pleasures to come.

On the palate, this rosé delivers exactly what it promises and more. It’s vibrant and crisp, with a refreshing acidity that dances across the tongue. The fruit flavours are beautifully balanced – nothing too sweet or cloying here – just pure, clean notes of wild berries and a whisper of citrus. There’s a subtle minerality that underpins the whole experience, grounding the wine and giving it a sophistication that’s often missing in lighter rosés.

What sets Gourdon 921 Coq Rose apart, however, is its surprising depth. There’s a complexity to this wine that reveals itself with each sip – layers of delicate florals and a touch of herbaceousness that linger on the finish. It’s the kind of rosé that can be savoured slowly, enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes, from a fresh seafood salad to a creamy goat cheese tart.

The Domaine de la Croix Cuvee Eloge 2023 is a rosé that embodies the essence of Provence with every sip. The wine’s strikingly pale pink hue hints at its delicate nature, but don’t be fooled – there’s a complexity here that demands attention. On the nose, it’s a symphony of fresh red fruits, with wild strawberries and raspberries taking centre stage, supported by the gentle fragrance of vineyard peaches. This aromatic profile is as inviting as a warm Provençal breeze.

When it hits the palate, Cuvee Eloge reveals its true character. It’s round and generously textured, a testament to its well-crafted blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah. The wine’s body is both lush and lively, with a beautiful balance that keeps the fruit flavours vibrant without overwhelming the senses. There’s a slight savoury note on the finish – a subtle nod to the wine’s maritime origins – that adds an unexpected layer of complexity.

What makes this rosé truly stand out, though, is its reflection of its terroir. The sandy-shale soils and the vineyard’s proximity to the sea are palpable in every glass, imbuing the wine with a mineral elegance that lingers long after the last sip. A stunning example of why this region’s rosés are revered worldwide.

Villa Degli Olmi’s Corte dei Rovi Prosecco Rosé Extra Dry NV is a sparkling wine that combines Italian charm with a touch of modern elegance. In the glass, it presents a lovely soft pink hue, catching the light with its delicate bubbles that rise like tiny, persistent beads. The nose is immediately inviting, offering a bouquet of summer red fruits – think strawberries and raspberries – tinged with a subtle floral note that adds a layer of sophistication.

On the palate, this Prosecco Rosé is a delightful balance of fruitiness and freshness. The red fruit flavours are vibrant yet restrained, delivering just the right amount of sweetness to keep things interesting without tipping into saccharine territory. What truly sets this wine apart, however, is its texture. The bubbles are fine and creamy, creating a velvety mouthfeel that enhances the wine’s overall savoriness. The finish is clean and slightly savoury, with a whisper of almond that lingers pleasantly.

This wine shines as an aperitif, its effervescence making it a perfect companion for those first bites of antipasti. Yet, its versatility means it can effortlessly transition through a meal, pairing well with light dishes like risottos, seafood, or even a delicate chicken dish.

Duca delle Corone Primitivo Salento Rosato 2023 is a wine that masterfully blends the rustic charm of Puglia with the elegance of Provencal winemaking. This 100 per cent Primitivo rosé is an absolute stunner, pouring into the glass with a delicate, pale pink hue that immediately catches the eye – a visual prelude to the wine’s understated complexity.

On the nose, Duca delle Corone is an aromatic bouquet of red berries, with ripe strawberries and raspberries leading the charge, followed closely by subtle floral notes – think rose petals, with a hint of Mediterranean herbs wafting in the background. The fragrance alone is enough to transport you to the sun-drenched vineyards of southern Italy.

But it’s on the palate where this rosé truly shines. Fresh, vibrant and remarkably well-balanced, it offers an enticing mix of fruit-forward flavours without overwhelming the senses. The red berry notes are crisp and clean, supported by a whisper of acidity that gives the wine its refreshing character. There’s a finesse to this rosé, a delicacy that lingers on the palate with a persistent finish that speaks to the quality of the Primitivo grapes and the skillful winemaking.

What makes Duca delle Corone stand out is its versatility. It’s as delightful on its own as it is paired with a variety of dishes, from light salads to grilled seafood. Luca Maroni’s 95-point rating is well-deserved; this is a rosé that beautifully captures the essence of Puglia while nodding to the sophistication of Provence.

Bastide de Margui 1784 Rosé 2023 is a wine steeped in history yet bursting with modern elegance. Hailing from a vineyard with roots tracing back to Roman times, this rosé is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that has been honed over centuries and refined in its recent incarnation under the Skywalker Vineyards collection.

Pouring a delicate blush pink, the Bastide de Margui 1784 immediately captivates with its enchanting bouquet. The aromas are a vibrant medley of sun-kissed nectarine, juicy peach and tropical mango, all interwoven with the subtle allure of wild strawberries. But it’s the hint of oriental spices that elevates the nose, adding a layer of intrigue and complexity that beckons further exploration.

On the palate, this rosé is a revelation. The ripe fruit flavours – nectarine and mango – are lush and expressive, balanced beautifully by a gentle hint of vanilla that suggests a deft touch of oak ageing. The wine’s texture is supple, with a roundness that is offset by a refreshing streak of acidity, ensuring that it never becomes cloying. There’s also a slight bitter zest on the finish, reminiscent of orange peel, which adds depth and keeps the palate engaged.

The use of both French oak barrels and stainless steel in the fermentation process gives this rosé a remarkable balance between richness and freshness. It’s a wine that manages to be both luxurious and vibrant, making it an ideal companion for everything from a leisurely lunch to a sophisticated dinner.