Over the last few years, rosé has transformed from a summer staple into a year-round favourite. Driven in part by celebrity brands like Brad Pitt's Miraval or Kylie Minogue Wines, the Provençal giant Whispering Angel has boosted the global rosé market. With a loyal following thanks to attractive marketing, subtle flavouring, and A-lister approval—Adele told US Vogue: "Whispering Angel turned me into a barking dog. It did not make me whisper"—this blend of cinsault, grenache, and vermentino grapes is loved for its pale, dry character with hints of orange, red fruits, and dried herbs. But at £25, supermarkets have rushed to offer more affordable alternatives. Aldi and Asda, in particular, have produced bottles that are near-identical in style and design.
"Yes, the classic pale Provençal styles are still everywhere—light, easy, and made for sunny afternoons—but there's also a more interesting mix creeping in," says Candace Bugden, expert wine taster and TikToker. "Think rosés with a bit more flavour, a bit more texture... darker in colour, deeper in texture and complexity. Interesting and versatile." Whether it's a £14 Nerello Mascalese grown on Mount Etna's slopes or a rich Arbousset Tavel at £13 from Tesco, "these are bottles you can happily drink in the garden but also take to the table with food," Bugden adds.
What to Look for in a Supermarket Rosé
"I always recommend looking to the regions in and around Whispering Angel's home, the southern French Mediterranean region of Provence—so look for labels that say Languedoc, Pays D'Oc, IGP Méditerranée, or Corsica," says Rosamund Hall, The Independent's wine columnist. By choosing these regions, "you'll find wines made using similar grapes. They'll have a familiar appearance and taste: delicate pale dusty-pinks with aromas of fresh summer berried fruits, hints of orange zest, and beautiful, uplifting acidity." Lucy Hitchcock, behind the @Partnerinwineuk account, explains: "A lot of the Whispering Angel 'dupes' popping up are actually Sainte Victoire Côtes du Provence rosés." This region, recently the first 'cru' of Côtes de Provence, offers distinctive terroir. For those seeking a Provençal alternative, Emilee Tombs suggests the Loire Valley for similar dry, crisp styles with red fruit and citrus notes.
Our Top Picks
1. Studio by Miraval Rosé
ABV: 12.5% | Region: Provence, France | Vintage: 2024 | Grapes: Cinsault, grenache, rolle, tibouren
"My favourite is the Studio by Miraval rosé," says Tom Gilbey. Rosamund Hall agrees, securing it top spot in her guide. "I tasted this blind alongside Provençal rosés and was impressed by the quality-to-price ratio," she said. "This beautiful blend displays subtle apricot and nectarine aromas alongside soft raspberries and delicate floral notes." Owned by Brad Pitt, it's available at Sainsbury's for £13.
2. Screaming Devil Côtes de Provence Rosé
ABV: 13.5% | Region: Côtes de Provence, France | Grapes: Grenache, cinsault, syrah
"I think this wine punches above its £12.95 price tag," says Emilee Tombs. "It's fuller and creamier than a lot of Provence rosé, yet retains freshness and salinity—hallmarks of Whispering Angel." With tropical notes of ripe mango complementing tart red fruits and sweet peach, it's perfect for barbecues. Available at Asda for £12.
3. M&S Etna Rosato
"Etna Rosato from M&S is a striking expression of Nerello Mascalese, grown on Sicily's volcanic slopes," says Bugden. "It's a wine of tension and character: mineral and faintly smoky, laced with rosehip, redcurrant, and a flicker of pink peppercorn." Crisp, tart, and savoury, it's rosé with structure. £14 from Marks & Spencer.
4. Maison Mariselle Sainte-Victoire Rosé
ABV: 13% | Region: Sainte-Victoire, Côtes de Provence, France | Vintage: 2024 | Grapes: Grenache
"The difference between Whispering Angel and Majestic's Maison Mariselle comes down to the grapes and the area of Provence," explains Katie Brook. "It's round and elegant, with intense red fruits, florals, and white peach flavours. The flavour is long-lasting." Lucy Hitchcock adds: "It's deliciously dry with fresh acidity and a smooth body, with notes of fresh raspberry, pink grapefruit, and crunchy white peach." £18 from Majestic.
5. Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Île-de-Beauté Rosé
ABV: 11% | Region: Corsica | Vintage: 2024 | Grapes: Grenache, sciaccarellu, syrah, vermentinu, niellucciu
"Take a short boat ride across the Mediterranean to Corsica and pour yourself a glass of this Île-de-Beauté," suggests Hall. "While the nose may be restrained, there's an abundance of flavour on the palate: ripe redcurrants and cherries, a twist of grapefruit, and a faint note of wild herbs." At £11, it's excellent value.
6. Arbousset Tavel
"Arbousset Tavel from the Southern Rhône at Tesco leans into a richer, more robust style," says Bugden. "This is rosé unafraid of colour or flavour, blending grenache, cinsault, and syrah into a deeply hued glass of raspberry, pink grapefruit, and gentle spice." Perfect for grilled meats or halloumi, at £13 it sings.
7. M&S La Balconne Organic Provence Rosé
ABV: 12.5% | Region: Provence, France | Vintage: 2024 | Grapes: Grenache, cinsault, mourvèdre, carignan, caladoc, syrah, rolle
"I had high hopes for this wine made from seven grapes in Provence," says Tombs. "But on the palate, I mainly tasted sharp raspberry and underripe strawberry." The colour is darker than Whispering Angel, which may put off purists. If you prefer fruity wines, this might appeal, but it's not a perfect alternative. £16 from Ocado.
8. Love by Leoube
ABV: 13% | Region: Provence | Vintage: 2023 | Grapes: Grenache, cinsault
Recommended by both Gilbey and Hall, Love by Leoube is a popular choice among Whispering Angel fans. Hall describes it as "the wine of Provençal dreams," with a delicate nose of soft white peaches, alpine strawberries, and a hint of wild oregano. Perfect with grilled chicken and feta salad. £18 from Ocado.
9. Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé
ABV: 13.5% | Region: Languedoc-Roussillon, France | Vintage: 2023/2024 | Grapes: Grenache, syrah, cinsault
Hall calls this "a stunning rosé which consistently delivers year in, year out, punching well above its modest price point." An elegant blend of syrah and cinsault, it offers aromas of soft strawberries and peaches alongside fresh raspberries and a poised floral finish. The bottle looks like a work of art. £11 from Majestic.
10. Costa Toscana
According to Bugden, Aldi's organic Costa Toscana "offers a lighter, more playful take." Blending sangiovese, merlot, and syrah, "it delivers delicate strawberry fruit with a soft Mediterranean charm." At just £7.99, the value is combined with excellent flavour. "Provence in spirit, but with a distinctly Italian accent," Bugden says. Available at Aldi for £8.
What Is the Best Whispering Angel Alternative and Supermarket Rosé?
Whether you're looking for a more affordable substitute to the cult rosé, want to delve deeper into Provençal wine-making, or stray further afield for similar tasting notes, there's plenty of choice. Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Île-de-Beauté rosé is a favourite for its dry, delicate palate. Screaming Devil surprised our sommelier, and Studio by Miraval rosé lives up to its viral fame. For a richer style, Arbousset Tavel or M&S Etna Rosato offer excellent value. Ultimately, the best bottle depends on your preference for pale and crisp or deeper and more textured rosés.
