The sun’s out and we’re still in lockdown, so let’s do this properly! Cue some beautiful pink wine that will make us dream of French holidays we’re not taking. How do you know what you’re going to get, though? Styles of rosé wine can vary enormously, even from the same region, so it’s genuinely hard to know. Fear not however, there are some styles that tend to stay the same. Whether you like it pale and dry, juicy and pink or savoury and practically red, here are three French styles to look for that you can rely on, told through the lens of dance because… #LockdownMadness
The Ballerina
Style: Pale and dry
Look for: Côtes de Provence
If this rosé had a dance, it would be ballet: pale pink, elegant and delicate to look at, but capable of powerful, complex twists and turns. If you like your pink wine creamy, weighty and dry with a saline tang and just a whisper of fruit, you can’t go far wrong if you look for ‘Côtes de Provence’ on the label. Provence is the only French wine region where there’s a classification dedicated to premium rosé wine and the world is now trying to emulate this classic style of pink. Grapes used are often a blend of Grenache and Cinsault, sometimes with a splash of Rolle, Syrah and others. Try these...
Bargain: Château de Rouet Provence Rosé, 2018, £8.50 (50cl), Coop
Mid-range: Château de Berne, Côtes de Provence, 2018, £13.99 mixed six price, Majestic.
Blow-out: Ultimate Provence Rosé 2018, £26.83, winebuyers.com
The Tango Dancer
Style: Dark and savoury
Look for: Tavel, Rhone Valley.
Dark and dramatic, with high kicks of wild strawberry fruit amongst the savoury notes of grilled meat, this wine’s dance is the Tango. Often almost red, with a grippiness you can get your teeth into, these are well-structured wines, perfect for a barbecue and great at any time of year. Tavel is an appellation (dedicated wine growing area) in Southern Rhone Valley in France, not a million miles from the more famous Châteauneuf du Pape. The difference is that Tavel is France’s only appellation dedicated solely to rosé wine. Grapes used traditionally are Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault and sometimes others. Look out for the distinctive bottle too! Try these…
Bargain: Tavel Rosé, 2018. £7.99, Lidl ( in store)
Mid range: Tavel Rosé, E. Guigal, 2019, £14, Vinatis
Blow out: Château de Manissy Organic Rosé, 2018, £16.95, Amathus
The 80’s Disco Queen
Style: Bright and candied
Look for: Rosé D’Anjou
Just like throwing those shapes on the dance floor to Wham and other cheesy 80’s hits, Rosé d’Anjou can be a bit of a guilty pleasure. Hailing from Anjou in France's western Loire Valley, these pinks are vibrant in colour and sweeter than many other rosé styles, bar some Californian white zinfandels (if you like those, try this). It’s not sugary sweet, but very fruity, like strawberry sweets. Serve them well chilled in the sun with some cold cuts or mildly spiced snacks like chilli nuts or Bombay mix. The main grape for this sweeter style is Grolleau Noir, often blended with Gamay and Cabernet Franc. Try these...
Bargain: Champteloup Rosé d’Anjou, £6.29 on offer, Waitrose
Mid range: Domaine des Cedres, Rosé d’Anjou, 2018, £10.58, Corkingwines.com
By Helena Nicklin
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