Expert Recommendations for Affordable Spring Rosés
As spring arrives, wine enthusiasts seek refreshing rosés for sunny days without breaking the bank. Whispering Angel, a cult favourite from Provence, has dominated the market with its pale, dry profile and celebrity endorsements, but its £25 price tag has spurred supermarkets to offer compelling alternatives. Experts highlight seven standout bottles that deliver quality and value, perfect for soirées or casual sipping.
Why Supermarket Rosés Are Gaining Popularity
Whispering Angel, produced at Château d’Esclans with roots dating to the 13th century, rose to fame in 2021, bolstered by Adele’s praise during lockdown. Its blend of cinsault, grenache, and vermentino grapes offers subtle flavours of orange, red fruits, and herbs. However, as wine writer Katie Brook notes, consumers often pay for the name rather than superior quality. Supermarkets like Aldi and Asda have capitalised on this, creating bottles that mimic Whispering Angel’s look and taste at lower prices, such as Asda’s playful Screaming Devil.
What to Look for in a Supermarket Rosé
Rosamund Hall, The Independent’s wine columnist, advises seeking wines from regions near Provence, such as Languedoc, Pays D’Oc, IGP Méditerranée, or Corsica. These areas use similar grapes, yielding pale pinks with aromas of summer berries, orange zest, and uplifting acidity. Lucy Hitchcock of @Partnerinwineuk adds that many alternatives hail from Sainte Victoire, a newly designated ‘cru’ in Côtes de Provence known for its balanced grapes. For those exploring beyond Provence, Emilee Tombs suggests Loire Valley rosés, which share a dry, crisp style with red fruit and citrus notes.
Top 7 Supermarket Rosé Picks
- Studio by Miraval Rosé (£13, Sainsbury’s): Tom Gilbey and Rosamund Hall praise this blend of cinsault, grenache, rolle, and tibouren for its apricot, nectarine, and floral notes. Owned by Brad Pitt, it offers excellent value.
- Screaming Devil Côtes de Provence Rosé (£13, Asda): Emilee Tombs describes it as fuller and creamier than typical Provence rosés, with tropical mango and peach notes. It pairs well with barbecues and salads.
- Maison Mariselle Sainte-Victoire Rosé (£18, Majestic): Katie Brook and Lucy Hitchcock highlight its elegance, with intense red fruits, florals, and minerality. Made solely from grenache, it provides a pure, long-lasting flavour.
- Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Île-de-Beauté Rosé (£11, Sainsbury’s): Rosamund Hall recommends this Corsican wine for its dry, delicate palate featuring redcurrants, grapefruit, and wild herbs, offering excitement at a low price.
- M&S La Balconne Organic Provence Rosé (£16, Ocado): Emilee Tombs notes its sharp raspberry and strawberry taste, with a darker colour that may deter Whispering Angel purists. It suits those preferring fruity profiles.
- Love by Leoube (£18, Ocado): Recommended by Gilbey and Hall, this grenache and cinsault blend offers soft peach and strawberry aromas with a hint of oregano, ideal with grilled chicken and salads.
- Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé (£13, Majestic): Hall praises this Languedoc-Roussillon wine for consistent quality, with strawberry, peach, and floral notes in an artistically designed bottle.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Rosé
Whether seeking a direct Whispering Angel alternative or exploring diverse regions, these expert picks provide ample choice. The Sainsbury’s Île-de-Beauté stands out for its delicate profile, while Screaming Devil and Studio by Miraval offer surprising value. For deeper dives into wine selection, consult sommelier-led guides to enhance your springtime sipping experience.
