12 Feb 2024
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a glass of delicious rosé wine? Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or a fun night in with friends, rosé is the perfect choice.
With its beautiful pink hue and delicate flavours, it’s the ideal wine to set the mood for a special evening.
In this week’s recommendations, we’ll explore some of the best rosé wines to enjoy this Valentine’s Day, from classic Provence style to a lesser-known sparkling wine from Spain.
La Belle Angèle Rosé 2022 (£9.99 or £7.99 mix six at Majestic)
Adorning each bottle is a captivating label featuring La Belle Angèle, a muse who once graced the canvases of French Impressionist painters. Her timeless beauty and joie de vivre are mirrored in every sip of this rosé.
La Belle Angèle transports you to the sun-kissed vineyards of Provence. Crafted from a harmonious blend of Grenache and Cinsault sourced from the Gers and the Languedoc regions, this rosé dances on the palate with vibrant flavours of ripe peaches, juicy raspberries, and succulent strawberries. It’s delicate fruit-forward wine.
Whilst the Grenache contributes power and generosity to the blend the late-ripening grape, Cinsault tempers its richness with freshness and tension.
The bright acidity of La Belle Angèle will complement the sweetness of a fruit tart, creating a delightful contrast. Alternatively, the lively fruit notes easily elevate the herbaceous flavours of a risotto Verde. It’s also delicious on its own.
Abbotts &Delaunay ‘Les Fleurs Sauvage’ Jardin Rosé 2022 (£11.99 bottle or mix six £9.99 at Majestic)
This delightful Grenache rosé hails from the boutique Languedoc producer, Abbotts & Delaunay. Laurent Delaunay, a talented fifth-generation Burgundy wine producer, embarked on a journey to the promising Languedoc region in southern France back in 1995. His ambition? To create wines that could rival the world’s best. Today, Abbotts & Delaunay stands as a synonym for distinctive, high-quality wines crafted with unwavering passion.
Now, crafted with care by Jeanne Delaunay, it embodies fruit-forward elegance. The grapes are sourced from two distinct terroirs: the Hérault plain, which imparts richness and roundness, and the Aude area, known for its character and freshness.
Its charming aromas of wild strawberry and raspberry are complemented by refreshing mineral notes. A balanced wine that tantalizes the palate with juicy-fruit flavours. Pair it with Asian dishes like salmon stir-fry or chicken Pad Thai for an exquisite culinary match.
¡HOLA! Mediterraneo Brut Rosé NV – Cataluna DO (£14.99 per bottle or £12.99 for a mix of six at Laithwaites)
Ten years ago, Belgian entrepreneurs Christopher Heirwegh and Christel Weemaes found themselves in Barcelona, where they crossed paths with winemaker Joan Soler. Together, they embarked on a sparkling adventure, collaborating with meticulous vineyard growers nestled in mountainous regions, their vines reaching heights between 250 and 700 meters.
This exquisite wine, a harmonious blend of 50% Macabeo, 25% Xarel·lo, and 25% Pinot Noir, is meticulously crafted using the classic Charmat method. The first fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks over 24 days, with gentle bâtonnage at low temperatures. Subsequently, the second fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats, where the lees work their magic under pressure. To achieve a delightful balance, the wine undergoes partial de-alcoholisation via osmosis filtering, resulting in a modest alcohol content of only 8.5%, while preserving its invigorating essence.
Pale pink in hue, this wine dances with aromas of ripe cherries, strawberries, raspberries, and delicate biscuit notes. On the palate, fine bubbles play alongside a light texture, revealing hints of dried herbs, blackcurrants, grapefruit, and cherries. Pairs perfectly with some fine tapas, salads, sushi, seafood or even desserts.
Whispering Angel 2022 – Côtes de Provence (£23.99 or £19.99 Mix Six at Majestic; £21, Sainsbury’s; £20.99,
Waitrose)
In 2006, when Sacha Lichine acquired Château d’Esclans, nestled in the heart of Provence overlooking the Esclans Valley, his vision was nothing short of creating the world’s most exquisite Rosé. While Garrus may indeed check that box, it is Whispering Angel that now reigns as the UK’s premier Provence Rosé, as attested by the discerning team at Château d’Esclans. The 2022 vintage yielded petite, intensely flavoured berries – a remarkable 25% reduction in average weight compared to previous years.
This wine, a harmonious blend of free-run and pressed juices, primarily features Grenache, Cinsault, and Rolle from venerable old vines rooted in the sun-kissed soils of La Motte, Provence. On the palate, you’ll discover nuances of melon and pink grapefruit, beautifully balanced by integrated acidity, with a smooth, creamy and full round finish, making it a delightful choice for rosé enthusiasts.
You can enjoy it with lobster, tuna, or duck but it also pairs well with cheeses like Camembert and Brie.
Whatever you choose to do on 14th February, be sure to pop open a delicious bottle of rosé.
If you’re looking for even more wine recommendations, then please follow me on Instagram @dmc_uncorked. And if you are a wine retailer or a Drinks PR company who would like me to feature your range of wines, then please contact me via mccabetwe@gmail.com
