Everyone loves a good comeback story, and in the wine world there are few that have had a revival quite like the pale pink, utterly refreshing rosé wine.

You see, although rosé has been around for centuries, it had a bad rep for a long time. Sickly sweet and without the care and attention of winemakers (who were more interested in perfecting the chardonnays and cabernets of the world), bottles of rosé gathered dust in cellars and rarely appeared on wine menus.

The tables turned for rosé, though, about 20 years ago. Consumer demand changed and instead of big, bold, tannic reds, people wanted something fresher and lighter to sip in the sun.

In the south of France, winemakers started focusing their attention on a fresh and delicate style that could be achieved with their red grapes. Red grapes

Yes, you read that right – rosé wine isn’t a mish-mash of red and white grapes – in fact, such practice is mostly frowned upon in the wine world. Rosé is made from red grapes. Instead of the usual maceration period where grapes soak in their skins for weeks (which is common in red wine production), rosé grapes rest there for just a few hours or days, resulting in the wine’s elegant and pale pink beauty.

Within a relatively short space of time in the centuries-old story that is wine production, rosé started enjoying her day in the sun. Glasses were being clinked on yachts in the Hamptons, in restaurants in London and in bars in New York. And it was the wines of Provence, in southern France, that really put rosé on the map.

Hot, sunny, dry days in Provence allowed the fruit flavours of the red wine grapes to build and develop while the cooler nights with a gentle breeze blowing in from the Mediterranean helped maintain their acidity. The limestone soil in which the vines sat contributed to a distinctive minerality. Winemakers then started to really hone their craft through blending – with Grenache grapes, known for their fruity profile and body; Mourvéda which adds structure; Cinsault which contributes a distinctive delicacy; and Syrah for that hint of spice.

The result? Clean and precise wine gushing with freshness. Rosé was proving it had both style and substance.

Of course, you can’t beat some good old-fashioned marketing and rosé’s pale pink hue wasn’t just Instagram-ready, it also had some famous names throwing their weight behind it.

Celebrity status

When Brad Pitt and Angelia Jolie bought Château Miraval in 2011, it created such a stir in the wine world, you couldn’t keep the bottles on the shelf.

Some will argue that changed the dial, not just because it had celebrity status but because the famous Perrin wine-making family was involved. George Clooney, Sarah Jessica Parker, Idris Elba and John Legend all got behind the rosé movement – some with their own vineyards, others with collabs.

The power of celebrity status whisked it away.

Meanwhile, winemakers in Italy, Spain, New Zealand and the United States were following the French wave and in a 20-year period – a short chapter in the history of wine – global production of rosé increased by 25%.

We’re used to that image of clinking glasses of rosé in the summer sun, but to only keep it for a sunny day would be an injustice to the wine. Instead, embrace it for what it is – fantastically food friendly, but choose your pairings wisely because you don’t want to overpower the delicate flavours of the wine.

Think summer salads: Mediterranean-style with oozing burrata or mozzarella, plump prawns drizzled in herbs and olive oil, lemon chicken skewers grilled on the barbecue, or a summer charcuterie board with plenty of soft cheese. Rosé also works great with a cheeky Thai or Vietnamese takeaway, but keep it lightly spiced. If you’re upping the food flavour, look for Italian or Spanish rosés that offer slightly more body and sweetness.

4 wines to try with your food

Breath of Paradise de Provence, Lidl, €11.99

This label has a resemblance to a famous brand of rosé, and while it doesn’t quite meet the heights of that angel, it’s a very good knockoff at an attractive price point. Lightly textured, it has delicate pops of strawberry, a hint of lime and a good gush of acidity.

Chassaux Et Fils Sainte Victoire Rosé, Aldi, €11.99

There’s a good complement of flavours in this stylish pale pink wine. While that distinctive berry flavour is up front, it sits well with citrus notes of lime, grapefruit and melon. Dry and elegant, this would go perfectly with some seabass on the barbecue.

Aix Rose, €28.95, Avoca

Don’t be fooled by the delicate elegance of this wine, Aix is one of the heavy hitters of premium Provence rosé. This blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah is distinctively fresh with flavours of strawberries and watermelon complemented by a minerality that gives a precise finish.

Miraval Provence Rose Wine, Tesco, €30 (Clubcard price: €22 until 21 July 2026)

Miraval is one of the rosé wines that changed it all, and you can enjoy this celeb wine at a great price this summer. With style and substance, this rosé has notes of red cherry and apricot with a zippy freshness. With good structure and acidity, pair with a charcuterie board alfresco.

Miraval Provence Rose Wine, Tesco, €30 (Clubcard price: €22 until 21 July 2026)

Miraval is one of the rosé wines that changed it all, and you can enjoy this celeb wine at a great price this summer. With style and substance, this rosé has notes of red cherry and apricot with a zippy freshness. With good structure and acidity, pair with a charcuterie board alfresco.