When discussing rosé wines, many might immediately think of the pale and crisp variants from Provence. These wines have become synonymous with summer festivities, delivering consistent satisfaction similar to enjoying chips with ketchup. However, there is a variety of rosé wines beyond this popular region, offering unique flavours at potentially lower prices without compromising on quality.
Exploring Global Rosé Wines
Provence rosés are typically made with a blend of predominantly red grapes such as grenache and syrah, along with a white grape like vermentino. The characteristic pink hue results from brief contact between the juice and the grape skins. However, rosé can be produced with a variety of methods, offering a spectrum of colours from light peach to deep cherry.
For those looking to expand their rosé horizons, wines from outside Europe present excellent alternatives. Notably, Babylonstoren’s 100% mourvèdre rosé from the Simonsberg area in South Africa offers a structured and fresh flavour profile. This rosé is not just any wine, but the official selection for the Chelsea Flower Show.
In Morocco, a Provence-style wine known as Volubilia Gris is crafted using cabernet sauvignon and grenache, blended with marselan and caladoc to handle the warmer climate. In Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, the local topography and Mediterranean breezes help in creating delightful rosés that benefit from cooler night temperatures amid hot days.
Chile’s Itata Valley contributes to this diverse lineup with En Cabeza, a cinsault-based variety enriched by aromatic moscatel. This mineral-rich wine pairs well with summer dishes and represents a smooth introduction to natural wines.
Five Noteworthy Alternatives to Provençal Rosé
En Cabeza, Luca Hodgkinson, Chile – Priced at £13 and available at Forest Wines, this 12.5% wine blends cinsault with moscatel for a refreshing summer beverage.
Volubilia Gris, La Zouina, Morocco – For £14.95 at Buon Vino, this 13% creation provides a Provence-like dryness suitable for established rosé fans.
Babylonstoren Mourvèdre Rosé, South Africa – A versatile option costing £18 at Waitrose, featuring a 13% alcohol volume for all-day enjoyment.
Massaya Rosé 2024, Lebanon – Available at Wine Society for £16.50, this 13.5% cinsault wine offers a savoury and spiced finish, perfectly paired with meze.
Cowboys Don’t Have Curls, Ain’t My First Rosé, UK – Priced at £27 at Wright’s Wine, this unconventional 9.5% rosé is crafted in Somerset, promising to challenge British wine stereotypes.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.