Summer is always the time to measure the quantity and quality of rose wine, or so it seems. In reality, wine drinkers are more and more inclined to serve rose all year round nowadays and it is easy to understand why, given the multiple styles out there.

But before we go any deeper on the subject let’s talk a bit about the history of this ephemeral and divisive style. In the beginning of humanity’s wine-making skills most wine was actually rose, or quite close to it in style (it might surprise you, I know) , grapes were harvested all at the same time, white and black grapes crushed and fermented together resulting in a pink, natural wine. Over time this style of wine faded, giving way to the more alcoholic and bolder red wine (also used for communion) and usually a slightly sweeter and fruity white(orange) style.

So there is a lot of background to the rose drinking days and even though it is still very much associated with sunny days of drinking in the garden, it can take on many forms and cater to most palates.

We currently stock around 20 different wines of this style, ranging from bone dry (almost austere in terms of fruit) to rich and opulent yet dry on the palate.

One of our biggest selling wines indeed is a rose, Pasquiers, Grenache-Cinsault Rose (£7.99 ) is a typically bone dry southern french with just about enough fruit to threshold as wine.

Literally arrived this week is Raza, Vinho Verde Rose (£9.99 ), an amazing dry rose blend that bursts with red berry fruit and a slight spritz that is usually associated with Vinho Verde.

A truly expressive and complex style of rose is represented by Trediberri, Langhe Rosato (£13.99 ) with both notes of red berries and light herb and spices it is an example that also matches a variety of dishes ranging from grilled fish/seafood to more hearty Italian pasta.

Coming from the very border between Portugal and Spain, Quinta de Santiago, Rose (£14.99 ) is a zesty, dry style with a crisp red fruit core and a beautifully balanced texture. More complex than the Vinho Verde counterpart and with more food matching sense.

Lebanon is one of the places that are tied close to the very beginnings of wine-making, and that is where  Massaya, Rose (£18.99 ) comes from. Dry but with some lovely elements of ripe red fruit and middle eastern rose this is to savour either with food or on it’s own .

Last but not least on today’s list is my favourite rose that we currently stock. Bernard Reverdy et fils, Sancerre Rose (£19.99 ) is one of those wines that are so perfectly balanced that always put a right smile across one’s face. Pinot Noir at it’s core, it just has the right amount of aromatic forest berries and light dry herb and spice but all in a mineral and captivating body.

All of the above are in stock now with us and prices are correct at the time of print. Hoping you (the reader ) has been enticed, we welcome you to browse the range across our 3 shops.

Raz