It’s rose season – 7 superb wines to drink al fresco

Can you feel it? It only takes a couple of hours of sunshine and a glimpse of blue sky to sharpen your senses, with thoughts turning to al fresco dining and long summer evenings outdoors.

Admittedly, it may be early days, but boy have we waited long enough for the sound of bottles of rosé being plunged into an ice bucket and the clinking of glasses – with the warmth of the summer sun encouraging a charcuterie board and bowl of olives alongside.

So now’s the perfect time to find your preferred pink, and plan for the summer season ahead…

1. Jaume Serra Bouquet, Rosé Cava, Spain, £7.99, Lidl in-store

If you’re a sucker for a showy label (we are), this charming bouquet of petal pink tulips is perfectly placed for garden parties… especially with wedding season coming into swing and thoughts turning to celebratory bubbles. It’s a joyous glass, with enticing cherry aromas and hints of orange; fresh fruit flavours, orange-edged acidity and a dry, fresh finish.

2. SPAR The Legends Bordeaux Rosé Tutiac X Couture 2024, France, £8.49, SPAR, in-store

A delicious discovery and label to turn heads, this Bordeaux beauty is bang on the money. Part of SPAR’s new Legends line-up of premium wines – at an affordable price point – this delightfully fresh and fruity rosé hits all the right notes with its gentle blossomy aromas, mouthwatering flavours of summer berries and crisp, fresh finish. Sure to be a huge hit, and one to fly off the shelves.

3. Domaine Bousquet Rosé Organic 2025, Mendoza, Argentina, £14.40, The Great Wine Co

South American wines gift us in many ways, but their rosé doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves. Step in this lively, fruity expression which was awarded 90 points by wine critic James Suckling – and worth seeking out. With ripe strawberry and red berry aromas, similar flavours unfold with zesty, citrusy notes coming into play and balanced acidity. Delicious.

4. Éminence de BIJOU 2023, Southern France, £15.75, Waitrose

There’s delightful depth to this aptly-named southern French belle, and very stylish too. It’s fragrant, with gorgeous scents of fresh red berries, apricot and some citrus brilliance; on the palate, red fruit and floral nuances combine with hints of vanilla and gentle spice for added complexity, with a round, silky finish.

5. JANSZ Premium Cuvée Rosé NV, Tasmania, Australia, £18.60, VINVM

This is a splendid example of the kind of quality Australia’s famed sparkling wine region produces, and JANSZ winery is one of the island’s gems. A rosé with a fruity, soft character and a fine stream of bubbles, scents of wild strawberries with wafts of summer fruits and rose petals draw you in; with hints of brioche, citrus zest and a floral finesse framing a core of strawberries and creamy fruit, leading to a flourish of a finish.

6. Minuty Prestige Rosé 2025, Cotes de Provence AOP, France, £19.80, Amathus Drinks

A barely-there blush, this swish Provençal pink is a passport to pleasure… and the taste of the Riviera lifestyle in a glass. With gorgeous aromas of freshly picked red berries and a hint of herbs, it’s smooth and silky on the palate with flavours of succulent summer fruits, streak of minerality, and lasting saline finish. One for a salad niçoise and crusty French bread.

7. Hanikon Côtes de Provence Rosé 2024, France, £35, Hanikon

Visually, this blush peach stands out for its yellow top, and the frosted bottle feels flush… leaving a lasting impression. Subtly fragrant with delicate aromas of white flowers, there’s a wonderful purity to the fresh berry fruit showing some minerality, with an elegant character, herbaceous note and fresh, lasting finish. A charming aperitif to whizz you to your dream destination, albeit spendy, and place in the sun.