Sommeliers and Wine Experts Unveil the Best Supermarket Rosé Selections
The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us? Sommeliers and wine experts have revealed the best supermarket rosé options, offering affordable bottles that rival premium brands. Plump for these cost-effective picks to elevate your next gathering without breaking the bank.
Top Picks for Affordable Rosé
Our curated list includes standout bottles from leading supermarkets, each praised by experts for their quality and value.
- Studio by Miraval rosé – £13 from Waitrose.com
- Screaming Devil Côtes de Provence rosé – £13 from Asda.com
- Maison Mariselle Sainte-Victoire rosé – £18 from Majestic.co.uk
- Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Île-de-Beauté rosé – £11 from Sainsburys.co.uk
- M&S La Balconne organic Provence rose – £16 from Ocado.com
- Love by Leoube – £18 from Ocado.com
- Gérard Bertrand côte des roses rosé – £13 from Majestic.co.uk
- Héritage Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire rosé – £15 from Coop.co.uk
The Rise of Whispering Angel and Its Alternatives
Whispering Angel, a Côtes de Provence rosé, has become a global phenomenon, credited with boosting the rosé market. With a price tag of £25, its popularity stems from attractive marketing, subtle flavours, and celebrity endorsements, such as Adele's mention in US Vogue during lockdown. However, supermarkets like Aldi and Asda have developed alternatives that mimic its appeal, offering similar taste profiles at lower prices.
This pale, dry wine, made from a blend of cinsault, grenache, and vermentino grapes, features notes of orange, red fruits, and dried herbs. Yet, many supermarket bottles now rival its quality, with sommeliers recommending options like Miraval and Leoube, while social media enthusiasts praise M&S and Lidl selections.
Expert Insights on Choosing Supermarket Rosé
Rosamund Hall, The Independent's wine columnist, advises looking for regions near Provence, such as Languedoc, Pays D'Oc, IGP Méditerranée, or Corsica. These areas produce wines with similar grapes, resulting in delicate pale pinks with aromas of summer fruits and citrus. Lucy Hitchcock, a wine enthusiast, notes that many alternatives hail from the Sainte Victoire region, a newly designated 'cru' in Côtes de Provence known for its balanced grapes and microclimate.
For those seeking variety, Emilee Tombs suggests exploring rosés from the Loire Valley, which offer a dry, crisp style with red fruit and citrus notes, though not necessarily better value.
Detailed Reviews of Top Alternatives
Studio by Miraval rosé: Tom Gilbey and Rosamund Hall praise this blend for its apricot, nectarine, and floral notes, offering excellent quality for the price. Owned by Brad Pitt, it's a standout choice.
Screaming Devil Côtes de Provence rosé: Emilee Tombs highlights its creamy texture and tropical aromas, making it a fresh alternative, though it lacks vermentino's floral hints. Perfect for barbecues.
Maison Mariselle Sainte-Victoire rosé: Katie Brook and Lucy Hitchcock appreciate its elegance and long-lasting flavours of red fruits and peach, with a mineral edge from the Sainte-Victoire region.
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Île-de-Beauté rosé: Rosamund Hall recommends this Corsican option for its dry, delicate palate with redcurrant and grapefruit notes, all at an affordable £11.
M&S La Balconne organic Provence rose: While organic, Tombs finds it sharp with raspberry notes, and its darker colour may deter purists seeking a pale rosé.
Love by Leoube: A favourite among experts, this wine features peach and strawberry aromas, ideal with grilled chicken and salads.
Gérard Bertrand côte des roses rosé: Hall describes it as consistently elegant with strawberry and peach notes, and its artistic bottle adds appeal.
Héritage Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire rosé: Hitchcock praises its dry, refreshing profile with grapefruit and cherry flavours, perfect paired with herby olives.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Rosé
Whether you're seeking a budget-friendly substitute for Whispering Angel, exploring Provençal wines, or trying new regions, there's a supermarket rosé to suit every palate. From Sainsbury's delicate offering to the viral Studio by Miraval, these expert picks ensure quality sipping without the premium price. For more recommendations, consult sommelier-led guides to discover the best wines for any occasion.
