5 English Rosés To Try This Summer

Looking for the best English Rosés to try this summer? Here’s our top 5.

We love rosé any time of the year. But we love it just that little bit more in the summer sunshine.

It used to be that a glass of Provence rosé was the only way to drink pink. But that’s changing.  Whilst English Sparkling rosé has taken the world by storm an increasing number of producers are making still English rosé. From Provence style rosé blends to single varietal gastronomic wines that can stand up to a Michelin star menu.

With so many different wines to choose from, Marasby has picked five of the best English rosés to try this summer, with a range of styles to please every palate.

We’re shouting it out loud. Don’t drink Whispering Angel this summer. Drink one of these.

1.Simpsons Railway Hill Rose 2022

The Simpson Wine Estate is one of the pioneers of 100% English Pinot Noir rosé: Railway Hill 2022 is their sixth release. Using Burgundian clones from their Kent vineyards and techniques learnt from many years producing rosé in France, quality, and experience shine through.  When I tried this wine six years ago it was the first English rosé I had ever tasted. It sets a high benchmark. Railway Hill is an elegant Provence style rosé that is both beautifully packaged and delicious.  Read more about the Simspons Wine Estate in Simon Huntington’s producer profile.

Taste: Watermelon and crushed strawberries with a delightfully smooth texture.  Perfect for sipping at summer lunches.

Buy:£19.50 p/bottle, Simpsons Wine Estate

2. The Grange Still Pink 2022

The Grange in Hampshire is best known for its multi-award winning English Sparkling Wine. Most recently a gold medal at the IWC 2023 Awards for its Blanc de Noirs White from Black. Still Pink is their first still wine and is a limited-edition release of just 2,000 bottles. It is only available at the cellar door, so if you are in the area make sure to pop in and pick up a few bottles.   Independent English Wine Awards 2023 silver medal.

Taste: A pale copper pink with aromas of seasonal English strawberries. Made from 100% Pinot Noir Still Pink has hints of Hampshire’s characteristic chalky minerality. Perfect for a light supper. Pair with seasonal fish dishes or spicy stir fry.

Buy: £15.00, Cellar door

3. Lyme Bay Pinot Noir Rosé 2021

Lyme Bay Pinot Rosé is made from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from Crouch Valley in Essex, which has a reputation for growing the best PN grapes in the UK. As a result, this rosé is a weightier, silkier and more complex wine than the average rosé. It’s a wonderfully gastronomic wine that can handle foods with substantial flavours.  We first tried Lyme Bay Pinot Noir rosé 2021 with the winemaker Sarah Massey on our visit in spring. Just 1,386 bottles produced.  Read about the Lyme Bay story.

Taste: A fruit forward wine bursting with redcurrant and quince jelly fruity flavours. Gentle hints of vanilla oak and a full-mouth feel.  Pair with pasta in a rich creamy sauce or with barbecued fish and meat.

Buy: £18.49, Lyme Bay

4. Yotes Court Rosé

Best Turned Out is made from 100% Pinot Meunier grown on beautiful south facing slopes in the heart of the Kent countryside. The vineyard is a real stunner and well worth a visit if you are in the area. You can read more about Yotes Court in Simon Huntington’s producer profile. Best Turned Out rosé is one of a stable of still wines made by Yotes Court and it’s arguably their most sippable. Open it on a lovely summer’s day and let the afternoon slip by.

Taste: Bursting with watermelon and a peach melba fruit with a beautifully fresh, crisp finish. Perfect for summer outdoor drinkies. Serve with an English charcuterie board.

Buy: £19.00, Yotes Court

5. folc Rosé 2022

Founders Elisha and Tom Cannon started Folc in 2019, with a vision to bring the accessibility and easy-drinking vibes of southern French rosés to the south of England. Folc Rosé is the only wine they make, as such they are carving out a real specialism in this category.  I first tried folc year when I was eating and drinking UK produce for the summer and it was a real game changer. They’ve launched a new look bottle for the 2022 vintage and we’re big fans. The recycled bottle is beautiful and more sustainable. Enjoy Folc Rosé with al fresco Mediterranean style lunches in good company.

Taste: Light, fresh, dry and elegant, with gentle aromas of ripe peaches and red berries. In the mouth Folc is crisp, vibrant and moreish, with hints of elderflower cordial and zesty lime.

Buy: £19.99 Folc

And finally …

At the time of writing all our recommended English and Welsh rosés are available via recommended stockists, but like many of our wines are made in small quantities and may sell out, so don’t delay.

England is the world’s most exciting cool-climate wine region, yet 99% of the wine we drink is still imported. Show people that you’re part of the 1% leaning into local, sustainable and delicious English wines with a Marasby limited edition Join The 1% tote bag and discover more amazing wines with the Marasby Club.