The 10 Best rosé wines

A glass of the pink stuff is perfect for a summer’s day, so make sure you’ve got a chilled bottle ready for warmer weather...

1. Chateau Leoube Petit Rosé Tout Simple 2012

With the glittering Mediterranean as its backdrop, this breathtaking estate on the Côte d’Azur produces sophisticated and impressive wines. This one is delicate and dry, with the classic Provence pale-pink colour and aromas of peach. 

£10.99, vintageroots.co.uk

2. Poggio argentiera Rosato 2012

Just a whiff of this will make you feel summery, even if the weather is anything but. From the far south-western corner of Tuscany, it’s light and dry, with a refreshing aroma. Its flavours of candied cherry and strawberry are perfectly balanced with fresh acidity.

£7.99, majestic.co.uk

3. El Guia Rosado 2011

Ideal for picnics, parties or simply as an apéritif, this cheap and cheerful crowd-pleaser from Spain’s east coast is deep in colour, rich in grapefruit and sweet strawberry flavours, but surprisingly and pleasantly dry.

£4.19, waitrose.com

4. Chapel Down English Sparkling Rosé Brut

English sparkling wines are going from strength to strength. This award-winner is a treat, with aromas of honeysuckle and wild summer berries. The bubbles are fine and persistent and the palate features ripe berry and rhubarb flavours with a splash of creaminess.

£22, marksandspencer.com

5. Cabaret Rosé 2012

Provence is the home of rosé and this one has been perfected by the Sumeire family, who have been in business going for an extraordinary 700 years. It’s classically feather-light and elegant, with hints of strawberry and cherry blossom.

£9, oddbins.com

6. Taittinger Prestige  Rosé NV 2012

If you’ve got something to celebrate, this award-winning champagne is perfect for a hot summer’s day. Delicate aromas of strawberry mingle with soft red fruits and a hint of spice to create this sophisticated and unforgettable champagne.

From £28.50, fortnumandmason.com

7. Villa Maria Private  Bin Rosé 2012

A lovely blend of five different grape varieties – Merlot, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Malbec – this  dry rosé from New Zealand is fragrant and full-flavoured. It works well alone or with food and has a beautifully rounded finish.

£9.99, tesco.com

8. Domaine Haut Perron 2011 Sonnemot Rosé

This family has excelled at wine-making for generations and this one is strawberries all the way, yet with a refreshing acidity and subtle sweetness on the finish. At least you can’t drink too much of it – it’s only half a bottle.

£5.75, halfwine.com

9. Hungarian Pinot  Grigio Rosé 2011

It’s no mean feat to find a decent Hungarian exported wine in the UK without paying over the odds. This fruity rosé, which comes from the country’s most famous wine-producing area, is delicious and kind on the purse strings.

£6.99, marksandspencer.com

10. Taste the Difference Vintage Rosé Cava 2011

This vintage sparkling wine is made using the same traditional method as for French champagne. The result is light, crisp and zesty, but with depth and poise. It’s a bargain for under £10.

£9.99, sainsburys.co.uk