Rosé has shaken off its reputation as a fleeting summer fashion. According to wine expert Sam Wylie-Harris, the delicate pale pink wines of Provence have now become a firm favourite among UK drinkers, with the latest 2025 releases delivering style and substance in equal measure.
Here are seven bottles that stood out in the expert's latest tasting, with options for every budget from supermarket bargains to special-occasion splurges.
The best value Provence rosés
Aldi Chassaux et Fils Sainte Victoire Rosé 2024
At just £8.99, this Aldi offering is a serious contender for the best cut-price rosé of the summer. Sam Wylie-Harris describes it as a dupe for Whispering Angel, with the same fragrant, fresh strawberry character that has made the famous pink wine so popular worldwide. The artfully made bottle combines floral notes with vibrant red fruits, hints of nectarine and fresh acidity, making it remarkably drinkable and, at this price, a real steal.
Waitrose No 1 Coteaux D'Aix en Provence Rosé 2025
For just £12 – down from £15 until August 19 – this Waitrose bottle is a bargain with a pedigree. It is made by the acclaimed French wine estate Maison Mirabeau, so you can expect quality. The wine offers a captivating aroma of wild berries, white petals and delicate stone fruit. On the palate it balances a core of ruby grapefruit with juicy peach and fresh raspberries, finishing with a clean, stony minerality. It is, says the expert, a standout bottle.
Majestic Maison Giambagli 'Coté AIX' Organic Rosé 2025
If you want an organic option, Majestic has this expressive rosé for £17, or £14 when you mix six. The wine is wonderfully velvety and uniquely food-friendly, with citrus and crushed berry aromas harmonising with notes of orange zest. There is plenty of juicy exotic fruit on the lengthy palate, lifted by fresh acidity, fine minerality and a refreshing finish. Described as joyous from beginning to end, this is a bottle for dinner parties and relaxed evenings alike.
Laithwaites Domaine Pontfract Côtes de Provence Rosé 2025
This strawberry-scented rosé is all about sheer drinkability. Priced at £17.99 – or £15.99 when you mix 12 or more – it comes from Laithwaites and offers a faint hint of Provençal herbs that adds regional typicity. Flavours of ripe berries, blossom, citrus and a whisper of dried apricot are backed by fresh acidity and a crisp, long finish. The expert notes there is "a certain je ne sais quoi" to this wine, making it delicately appetising.
Splurge-worthy bottles for special occasions
Waitrose Ultimate Provence Rosé 2025
For a more premium pour, the Ultimate Provence Rosé from Waitrose is priced at £18, reduced from £22 until August 19. The striking textured bottle looks beautiful beside garden umbrellas and ice buckets, and it is described as the perfect companion for alfresco lunchtime hosting. The wine itself is remarkably graceful, with elegant floral perfumes that open up into bright summer fruits, rich peach and vibrant citrus notes, all leading to a wonderfully smooth, enduring finish.
Lidl Breath of Paradise Rosé 2025 (Magnum)
Lidl has introduced a giant 1.5-litre magnum of its Breath of Paradise Rosé for £19.99, bringing a familiar design with golden seals and angel wings to the party. This is an authentic Provençal pink that offers fantastic value in a celebratory format. It features an expressive, strawberry-scented nose with pretty peach accents, good weight, and a structure that combines fruity delicacy with balanced acidity and a dry, crisp finish. Utterly delicious from the word go, this magnum will keep the glasses filled.
Hackstons Lala V Côtes de Provence Rosé 2024
For a truly exciting new launch, look no further than Lala V from Hackstons. At £27, this high-end brand was created by fashion model Lady Eliza Spencer, niece of the late Princess Diana. According to the brand, the wine "captures the spirit of the French Riviera through a wine that is refined, expressive, and unmistakably modern." Produced alongside the expert winemakers at Domaine Tropez, this delicately scented blend carries notes of citrus and stone fruits through to a beautifully structured, clean finish. It is elegant, wonderfully satisfying, and well worth hunting down for a special occasion.
How to choose and serve your Provence rosé
All seven wines come from the 2024 or 2025 vintages and are perfect for serving chilled. Whether you're planning a summer party, a quiet evening on the patio, or simply want to update your wine rack, these bottles prove that a great rosé doesn't have to break the bank. With prices starting at £8.99 and going up to £27, there's something for every budget. And thanks to multi-buy deals at Majestic and Laithwaites, you can even stock up on a few extra bottles without the guilt.
Remember, the Waitrose discounts are available only until August 19, so if you want to try the No 1 Coteaux D'Aix en Provence or Ultimate Provence at their reduced prices, act quickly.
