Six rosés to sip this summer season
Think all rosés taste the same? Think again. From crisp and dry Cabernet Franc rosés to gently off-dry Rosé d’Anjou and elegant Traditional Method sparkling wines, Loire offers one of the widest ranges of rosé styles in France.
These six rosés showcase the remarkable diversity of Loire rosé, spanning six appellations and a range of grape varieties, from well-known Cabernet Franc to lesser-known local grapes such as Grolleau and Pineau d’Aunis. Whether you’re popping a sparkling at a picnic or pouring a subtly off-dry rosé alongside a BBQ or spicy dishes, there’s a Loire rosé to suit every occasion.
Parlez-Vous La Loire, Cabernet Franc Rosé, 2025 (11.5 abv)
IGP Val de Loire
The Wine Shop, £9.99
Parlez-Vous La Loire Cabernet Franc Rosé is a delightfully fresh and expressive rosé from the beautiful Loire region. Cabernet Franc, best known here as the red grape of Chinon and Bourgueil, reveals a very different character in pink form: vibrant, aromatic and gloriously food-friendly.
Expect aromas of fresh strawberry, raspberry and a distinctive hint of Loire earthiness, with a crisp, dry palate that makes it a natural companion for charcuterie, goat’s cheese, grilled salmon or a summer picnic. A beautifully crafted rosé with real French elegance and charm.
Available from: https://vinoshop.co.uk/products/parlez-vous-la-loire-rose?srsltid=AfmBOopN_J7RJxIz2hv8OkT9q6Fma7uZIgYYQHp-2g09q1TTs8qS4b_R
Domaine des Echardières, 2025 (abv 12.5%)
Touraine Rosé
The Wine Society, £10.95
A charming rosé blend from the Cher valley built around five Loire grape varieties: Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Grolleau for fragrance and juiciness, and Pineau d’Aunis, which brings a hint of spice.
Floral on the nose and delicately fruity on the palate, this is a well-structured rosé with notes of summer berries, tangy pomegranate, white flowers and zesty citrus fruits. It makes for a refreshing aperitif on its own or is perfect on a picnic with crusty baguettes stuffed with ham, crab or tuna, as well as with prawns or a Niçoise salad.
Available from: https://www.thewinesociety.com/product/touraine-rose-domaine-des-echardieres-2025-en.aspx
Château La Varière, Les Martignolles, 2025 (11% abv)
Rosé d’Anjou
Tanners, £12.30
If you haven’t tried Rosé d’Anjou yet, make it your wine of the summer. It’s a classic, off-dry French wine from Loire, celebrated for its bright pink colour, vibrant aromas of strawberry and raspberry, and a smooth, softly sweet finish.
This wine is a delicious blend, dominated by Grolleau, with local Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to offer a perfect balance of sweetness, acidity and lively freshness. Pale pink in colour it is a fruit-forward wine with notes of red berries and a clean, fresh finish and while it can be enjoyed all year round, it pairs well with spicy and Asian or Mexican foods, grilled meats, charcuterie and meat-free dishes. It is certified Vegetarian and Vegan and is made adhering the principles of HVE Certification (High Environmental Value), giving the utmost importance to protecting and enriching the environment.
De Chanceny, Crémant de Loire Rosé, NV (abv 12.5%)
Tesco, £12.50
A harmonious blend of Cabernet Franc and Grolleau varietals gives this summer sparkling its distinctive freshness and finesse. With lively bubbles and an aromatic intensity it brings vibrant notes of strawberry, rose and cherry for an elegant, gourmet cuvée.
Made using the Traditional Method using hand-picked grapes from the village of Brossay in the southern Saumur region, this Loire speciality is perfect for popping open during celebrations, garden parties and BBQs. It’s the ideal accompaniment to succulent grilled prawns, paellas and smoked salmon salads, as well as strawberry-based desserts, eton mess and fruit tarts.
Available from: https://www.tesco.com/shop/en-GB/products/316936141
Domaine Moncourt, Roche Noire Rosé (11% abv)
Cabernet d’Anjou
Hourlier Wines, £13.50
60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc, this delightful rosé features a bright, crystalline, raspberry hue with delicate salmon-pink highlights. On the nose, it brings fresh red berry aromas lifted by subtle, fragrant notes of rose petals.
Cabernet d’Anjou is known for its gentle sweetness, with regulations requiring a minimum level of residual sugar. This gives the wine a generous fruit profile while retaining the freshness that characterises Loire rosés.
A distinctive rosé, it stands up well to pizzas, BBQ foods and grilled meats, and chicken dishes. Domaine Moncourt also adheres to the principles of HVE Certification (High Environmental Value) at every stage of its winemaking.
Available from: https://www.hourlierwines.co.uk/products/domaine-moncourt-cabernet-danjou?srsltid=AfmBOor_bSKb8x3FWNjmw7h747n107iqBPcLKbbhqWHnhfOmtFNzzMX8
Domaine M Plouzeau, Rive Gauche, Rosé (12.5% abv)
Chinon
Gnarly Vines, £18.50
A crisp, organic 100% Cabernet Franc rosé from France’s Loire region. Sourced from pebbly, left-bank (Rive Gauche) vineyard soils, this dry, elegant wine offers delicate aromas of wild strawberry, cranberry, and herbs, and is ideal for drinking on its own or with fresh, crunchy salads. It has a fine acidity and a lick of chalky limestone minerality on the finish, making it a pairing partner for salty crisps and nuts, snacks and appetisers.
Available from: https://gnarlyvines.co.uk/products/domaine-m-plouzeau-chinon-rose-rive-gauche?srsltid=AfmBOooDpVKZf0411H-Wl420saeU24AQU6SYjrSZUFmHiD_gcZ6xchA0