Your guide to French rosé

Nobody does rosé like the French. To reach for a bottle of pale Provence pink may be the reflex, but there’s a world of styles from its neighbouring regions. 

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Provence

Rosé owes much of its positive PR to its birthplace, Provence, where it’s been produced since the sixth century BC. Provençal rosés are extremely dry, crisp and notably pale, and Château de Berne Provence Rosé is a standout bottle. With layers of apricot, sage and rosemary, it pairs beautifully with vegetable dishes and charcuterie. Just as sippable, UP Ultimate Provence Rosé is a case study in why Provence pink is the go-to for seasoned rosé drinkers and newcomers alike. This lively, citrussy wine is ready to accompany seafood, grilled meats – or simply a day in the sun. 

Southern Rhône valley 

Next door is Tavel in the Southern Rhône valley, where the rosés are robust, fuller-bodied and burst with savoury flavours and spiced herbs – proof that darker doesn’t necessarily mean sweet. Deep pink, ruby and orange-hued, Tavel rosés hold their own alongside more substantial dishes.  

Languedoc-Roussillon

Head south-west to Languedoc-Roussillon, the largest wine-producing region in the world, and you’ll find some hugely versatile examples. Here rosés can be anything from Provence-style light blushes to deeply coloured, punchy blends. Le Bijou de Sophie Valrose Rosé brings together some of the region’s favourite grapes (Cinsault, Grenache, Caladoc and Syrah) to make an elegant salmon-tinted rosé with wild strawberry, citrus and floral flavours.  

Loire Valley 

Next on the rosé path is the Loire Valley. Cabernet Franc grapes lead the charge, creating aromatic dry rosés with violet, red berry and herbal notes. Increasingly, they also share the stage with Sancerre rosé – a pale, delicate wine made from Pinot Noir that’s a friend to seafood and other light summer dishes. 

Champagne

North of Provence and Languedoc, the rosé renaissance has reached the Champagne region. Several prestigious houses have turned their hand to sparkling rosé, combining the pink stuff’s refreshing character with the luxurious, toasted flavours of Champagne. From the Reims-based house credited with first commercialising brut (dry) Champagne, Pommery Rosé Brut Champagne is fresh and elegant, filled with juicy red berries and floral notes, plus a rich, lingering finish. 

Côtes des Blancs

Looking south to Côtes des Blancs, the Champagne house of Nicolas Feuillatte is based in Chouilly. Its Nicolas Feuillatte Reserve Exclusive NV Rosé Champagne is a Pinot-dominated Champagne, alive with vibrant summer fruits such as redcurrant and blueberry.