10 of the world’s finest rosés

By Patrick Schmitt

The category of fine, or luxury rosé, is a fairly new phenomenon, and an expanding one, as more producers try to craft a complex and serious wine that’s also pink. Here, Patrick Schmitt MW picks out 10 of most successful examples following a major blind-tasting last month.

While the top-end of Champagne has for some time incorporated high-priced pink expressions, in still wine, it’s only recently that anyone has dared charge more than £100 for a rosé, and yet, today, there are a few wineries asking that, and more.

What makes such rosés different is sometimes the site selection – with the grapes taken from particular plots, often featuring old, low-yielding vines – but more commonly, it’s due to the cellar techniques, with fine rosés made like great white wines.

By that I mean hand-harvesting, whole-bunch pressing, barrel-fermentations and then maturation in oak vessels in contact with the wine’s fine lees. Such an approach, if well managed (and temperature control and oxygen management is key) can produce a rosé that has a wonderfully full texture, and be age-worthy too. In terms of taste when it’s young, one can expect ripe peachy flavours, allied to creamy, even toasty notes from the oak-influence.

Such wines should also, if they are to be classed as fine, be fresh in every sense: so both zesty and clean. The risk with making fine rosé is ending up with something that lacks the mouth-watering appeal of pink wine, either because it’s heavy, or tired: the characters of too much sweet oak and oxidised, bruised fruit are a danger when eschewing the inert, reductive environs of a stainless steel tank.

The following selection is based on this year’s Global Rosé Masters, which you can read more about below. These are the best expressions over £30 in the competition…

CHÂTEAU D’ESCLANS ROSÉ 2023

  • Producer: Château d’Esclans
  • Region: Provence
  • Country: France
  • Grape varieties: 78% Grenache, 19% Rolle, 3% Tibouren
  • ABV: 14%
  • Approx. retail price: £40
  • Medal: Gold

Made exclusively from grapes grown on the estate, Château d’Esclans Rosé is carefully hand-harvested and chilled almost immediately to preserve freshness. Half of the wine is vinified in demimuids (600-litre oak barrels) and half in stainless steel, all temperature-controlled. Over approximately eight months of ageing before blending, the wine’s lees are stirred to increase richness and fullness. The resulting wine is pale peach-pink in colour, with soft yellow peach and ripe pear fruits and rose petal and cream overlay. Dry, the medium-bodied palate shows fresh acidity and density of flavour, and is layered and textured, with an allspice and nutmeg finish. Delicious with roast pork tenderloin stuffed with champignons and sautéed yellow onions. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

LES CLANS 2023

  • Producer: Château d’Esclans
  • Region: Provence
  • Country: France
  • Grape varieties: 52% Grenache, 48% Rolle
  • ABV: 14%
  • Approx. retail price: £58

A powerhouse of a pink drink, Les Clans is a four-wheel-drive rosé that could go anywhere. Why? It’s got this wonderful trait of being rich and creamy, yet delicate and refreshing, making it suitable for sipping on its own or pairing with a wide range of foods, from cured meats to hard cheeses, grilled fish to root vegetables. But should you savour it without accompaniments, you will enjoy the mix of toasted marshmallow and pink grapefruit, along with peach and strawberry, and a lingering note of grilled nuts and citrus zest on the finish. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

GARRUS 2023

  • Producer: Château d’Esclans
  • Region: Provence
  • Country: France
  • Grape varieties: 67% Grenache, 33% Rolle
  • ABV: 14%
  • Approx. retail price: £100

A wine that wows for its subtle complexity, Garrus is the ultimate rosé, and a drink for all occasions, impressing for its instantly appealing characters, as well as intriguing complexity. Whether you sip it slowly or find yourself swallowing it quickly, you’ll experience its complementary layers of flavours, starting with fresh ripe yellow and red fruits, followed by creamy, nutty notes, then some vanilla and toast, and finally lingering tinges of orange zest and grapefruit pith, with a touch of grilled lemon to boot. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

We are proud to announce the results of our wines from the 2025 Global Rosé Masters competition judged on 1 May at The Londoner Hotel in London, employing a distinguished group of experienced judges led by The Drinks Business Editor-In-Chief Patrick Schmitt. The top wines were awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze medals according to their result, and those expressions that stood out as being outstanding received the ultimate accolade – the title of Rosé Master with our wines receiving the following notes and accolades:

Whispering Angel 2024

Probably the world’s most famous rosé, and certainly one of the best-selling, it was pleasing to find that Whispering Angel is a benchmark for quality in the sub £20 category of pale dry pink wines. The rose’s appeal stems from a core of peach, pear and red berry fruit, complemented by a touch of bitter lemon on the finish, while texturally, this is soft in mouthfeel, but leaves one with feeling refreshed with its dry, citric edge.

Rock Angel 2024

The nose reveals delicate red berry aromas with hints of garrigue herbs. On the palate, peach and pomegranate fruit take the lead, supported by a lees-derived texture and a creamy mouthfeel. Subtle oak adds weight and extends the finish, enhancing both depth and length. Medium-plus acidity is well integrated, lending freshness without disrupting the wine’s rounded balance.

Château d’Esclans 2023

The wine is pale peach-pink in colour with soft yellow peach and ripe pear fruits with rose petal and cream overlay. Dry, the medium-bodied palate shows fresh acidity, density of flavour, layered and textured with an allspice and nutmeg finish. 

Les Clans 2023

A power house of a pink drink, Les Clans is a four-wheel-drive rosé that could go anywhere. Why? It’s got this wonderful trait of being rich and creamy yet delicate and refreshing, making it suitable for sipping on its own, or pairing with a wide range of foods, from cured meats to hard cheeses, grilled fish to root vegetables. But should you savour it without accompaniments, you will enjoy the mix of toasted marshmallow and pink grapefruit, along with peach and strawberry, and a lingering note of grilled nuts and citrus zest on the finish.

Garrus 2023

Garrus is the ultimate rosé, and a wine for all occasions, wowing for its instantly-appealing characters, as well as intriguing complexity. Whether you sip it slowly or find yourself swallowing it quickly, you’ll experience is complementary layers of flavours, starting with fresh ripe yellow and red fruits, followed by creamy, nutty notes, then some vanilla and toast, and finally, lingering tinges of orange zest and grapefruit pith, with a touch of grilled lemon to boot.

Restaurant review: The Engineer, Primrose Hill

Who says the Gastropub is dead – here is an Old School Pub with New School Flavours. You can have a proper feast at The Engineer!

THE DETAIL:

When I go and see a band in concert, typically I’m hoping for their greatest hits, not tracks from their new album. The same goes for eating out. There’s something extremely reassuring about French bistros. Yes, there are regional variances, but before you even sit down, you know what to expect on the menu, from Coq au Vin to Île Flottante. Decision-making is straightforward, and it’s down to each chef to interpret the classics in their own way.

Similarly, British pub fare follows familiar rhythms. Ploughman’s Lunch, Fish and Chips, Spotted Dick, with room for the chef’s own spin.

The Engineer, in Primrose Hill, has long held a good reputation, having served as a hub for the local community since 1994. The pub itself is a classic three-storey Victorian corner building, with a large, intimate walled garden at the rear and a dining room upstairs. Recently refreshed with a gentle makeover and a brand-new menu, we went to see if it still lives up to its name.

It remains unmistakably a pub but with elegant, contemporary touches. At the helm is Chef Nino Sadallah: half French, half Algerian, and originally a civil engineer; just like I.K. Brunel, the pub’s namesake. He brings his rich personal background to deliver a menu that seamlessly blends bistro comfort with gastro-pub creativity. And it’s an absolute tour de force.

This being a sunny day, and with the kitchen just next to the garden, my colleague and I chose to have lunch outside. Since we were close enough to Camden, we got into character with a pint of Hells while perusing their impressively curated wine list. It features over 40 varietals by the glass, from a Sauvignon to a Sancerre, with crowd-pleasing rosés like Whispering Angel and Minuty. Big names such as Barolo and Louis Jadot’s Chassagne-Montrachet also feature by the bottle. We each had a glass of Torres Purgatori with the duck, and a light, fruity Fleurie to accompany the rabbit pie.

Here’s how the meal panned out:

Starters

Beef Tartare
Lovely inclusion of chopped capers, lightly seasoned, gloriously golden cured egg, served with crisp toasts. Apparently, the yolk is cured for eight and a half hours to achieve perfect consistency. One of the best tartares I’ve ever tried, it’s balanced, restrained, and ready to be customised. And for me, that means Tabasco.

Beef Croquettes
Essentially breaded balls of pulled beef, not bulked out with potato. A spicy salsa adds heat and sweetness. This is a punchy, satisfying starter.

Scotch Eggs
With a deep golden yolk, they’re served with house-made piccalilli. While admirable, it’s a touch too sweet and missing the acidity needed to cut through the richness.

Devon crab

Serve with toasted brioche and lemon gremolata –  sweet, fresh and wonderful.

Mains

Pan-roasted Duck Breast
Served on a bed of beetroot with asparagus and giant rosti chips. The duck’s texture was slightly grainy though nicely pink, and the rosti chips were a delight – crispy, golden, and fun.

The Engineer Pie  (today’s was rabbit)
Topped with a puff pastry lattice lid, the filling had a sweet edge, with fennel, carrots, and leeks adding earthiness and depth.

Sides

Heritage carrots roasted in hot honey. Buttered cabbage. Mash with crumbled crispy onions. Green beans tossed with garlic and topped with toasted pine nuts. Simple, seasonal, and expertly done.

Puds

Chocolate Mousse
With amarena wild cherries and Maldon sea salt. A silky-smooth mousse, generous cherries, and with broken biscotti for crunch and almond flavour. An absolute winner.

Bramley Apple and Rhubarb Crumble with Vanilla Custard
Deep, buttery crumble, perfectly balanced fruit, and a smooth, pale custard. Just yes.

SUMMARY:

While The Engineer is quite a way from my home, it’s the kind of place worth going out of your way for. The food is full of love, the attention to detail is visible in every dish, and the front-of-house team is welcoming and faultless. A charming destination for anyone who appreciates good food in a relaxed setting.

The Engineer is at 65 Gloucester Ave., Greater, London NW1 8JH

Open every day from 12 noon to 11pm

ROSÉ DAY LA 2025, LA

  • Saturday, June 14, 2025
  • 1:00 PM  9:00 PM
  • King Gillette Ranch 26800 Mulholland Highway Calabasas, CA, 91302 United States

New for 2025: a first-ever partnership with global powerhouse TAO Group Hospitality, a jaw-dropping skydiving performance by the Red Bull Air Force, and a Formula 1 car installation that brings the energy of the Monaco Grand Prix to the Malibu hills.

At the heart of Rosé Day is a refined culinary experience imagined by HexClad,the world’s most innovative kitchenware brand, and Chef Marc Forgione, The Next Iron Chef winner and recipient of two Michelin Stars.Guests can expect decadent fare, including oysters, lobster and caviar, plus an elevated food court experience featuring a hand-picked lineup of delicious bites from Chicas Tacos, Campo Grande, Botticelli Foods, and more- all prepared with HexClad’s signature hybrid cookware. HexClad’s culinary experience will also feature interactive and stylish activations, including a vintage bus for photo opportunities and a live apparel customization station.

Headlining the day’s live music is French Riviera sensation Kid Francescoli, whose internationally celebrated hits and sold-out global tour have made them a festival favorite. Also performing: Mojave Grey, the rock-meets-electronica duo redefining desert sound; plus high-energy sets from DJ Ruckus and DJ Pookie, with special surprise guests.

Featured beverage partners include LVMH’s Whispering Angel and Château Minuty, Saddle Rock Rosé, Sainte Marguerite en Provence, and Suntory Global Spirits, including El Tesoro Tequila, Mezcal Amaras, Suntory Haku Vodka, Suntory Roku Gin, On The Rocks Premium Cocktails and -196 Vodka Seltzer, as well as top shelf mixers from Fever Tree.

The event’s signature helicopter flower petal drop returns, alongside a new Wellness Zone offering pampering activations, tastings, IV drips, massages and giveaways from brands like Magic Mind, Good Juju and BLUME. VIP guests will enjoy Armand de Brignac Champagne, bespoke Pinkberry creations, and exclusive access to luxury lounges.

 The immersive brand experience continues with:

  • 11 Juillet’s designer handbag boutique
  • Fine jewelry from LA’s Raine Jewelry
  • Galpin’s Aston Martin DB12 and Land Rover Range Rover P615 SV wrapped in bespoke florals
  • Red Bull’s Formula 1 car showcase and product tastings
  • TOTY by Sofia Vergara sunblock stations
  • Hydration stations by Nestlé Waters, San Pellegrino, Acqua Panna, Mason Perrier and Essentia as well as 100 Coconuts
  • Rosé Day Los Angeles is produced by an elite hospitality team led by Ben Biscotti (Co-Founder of 1iota Productions), nightlife visionaries Sylvain Bitton, JT Torregiani, David Jarrett, Tony Schubert (Event Eleven), and culinary icon Marc Forgione.
  • Event Highlights:
  • Live Performances: Kid Francescoli, Mojave Grey, DJ Ruckus, DJ Pookie & surprise acts
  • Culinary Experience by HexClad & Michelin-Starred Chef Marc Forgione
  • Signature Helicopter Flower Petal Drop
  • Red Bull Air Force Skydiving Stunt & Formula 1 Car Showcase
  • Luxury Shopping Experiences: 11 Juillet, Raine Jewelry
  • Wellness Zone: IV drips, massages, mocktails by Good Juju, giveaways from Magic Mind, BLUME

VIP Exclusives: Armand de Brignac, Pinkberry, private cabanas Art Installations, Games & Immersive Photo Moments

Open Bars Featuring LVMH rosés, Suntory Spirits, Fever Tree & more

Deets: National Rosé Day gets its most glamorous celebration yet as Rosé Day Los Angeles returns for its 5th annual edition on Saturday, June 14, at the breathtaking King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas. Set against the Santa Monica Mountains, this year’s soirée brings together 4,000 guests for a one-day escape with world-class music, premium rosé, curated cuisine, luxury experiences, art, wellness and indulgent summer revelry.

Whispering Angel Named the Official Rosé of Formula 1

By Felicity Carter

National Rosé Day (June 8th) is the perfA world-renowned libation that has long been in a fixture in the Formula 1 Paddock Club, Whispering Angel has officially joined the F1 family as the sport’s Official Rosé.

The announcement marks the latest collaboration between Formula 1 and LVMH following the signing of a landmark 10-year partnership. Excitingly, this appointment will now see Whispering Angel sit alongside Moët & Chandon and Belvedere Vodka as part of the Moët Hennessy offering across racing weekends.


Whispering Angel has been named the Official Rosé of Formula 1

Produced by Château d’Esclans, a prestigious estate in the heart of Provence, Whispering Angel has been credited for redefining rosé and elevating it to the luxury wine category. Founded by Sacha Lichine in 2006, Château d’Esclans is known for its exceptional winemaking, combining old-world terroir with modern techniques to create rosé wines celebrated for their freshness, elegance, and consistency.

Since then, Whispering Angel has become a top serve, found on the menus of leading restaurants and served at events around the world. Today, it counts itself among the top pours of F1’s high-end hospitality spaces.

Speaking on the partnership, Sacha Lichine, Founder and CEO of Whispering Angel, said, “Having been served in the F1 Paddock Club during the past 15 years, we are thrilled to bring Whispering Angel to the next level through this exciting partnership while accelerating towards the chequered flag and crossing the finishing line.”

After making its mark with standout appearances at recent Grands Prix in Miami, Imola, Monaco, and Barcelona, we’ll now see Whispering Angel being rolled out at the top races for the remainder of the season. Guests will be able to sip on the Provence rosé trackside at Silverstone, Spa, Budapest, Zandvoort, Monza, Singapore, Austin, Mexico City, São Paulo, and Las Vegas.

Chief Commercial Officer at Formula 1, Emily Prazer, said of Whispering Angel joining the ranks, “Today is another special moment for our landmark partnership with LVMH as we welcome Whispering Angel to the Formula 1 family as the Official Rosé Partner. This perfect partnership brings together the pinnacle of motorsport with a brand known for its sophistication, elegance and excellence and unites us on our joint mission to deliver fantastic experiences for our fans.”

Whispering Angel joins a roster of luxury partners in F1, from those in the realm of beverages including Moët & Chandon and Belvedere Vodka, to fashion stalwarts like TAG Heuer and Tiffany & Co. This partnership sets up the sport to further strengthen its ties with global luxury as more eyes than ever before turn towards the racetrack.

How to Celebrate National Rosé Day 2025

By Kimberly Fisher

National Rosé Day (June 8th) is the perfect occasion to indulge in the elegance flavors of the world’s most luxurious rosé wines. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a chic garden soirée, or simply savoring a moment of tranquility, a premium rosé elevates every experience.


From Provence’s iconic pale pinks to bold New World expressions, we’ve curated a selection of exceptional rosés worthy of celebration. Here are the standout bottles to uncork this National Rosé Day:

Château d’Esclans “Whispering Angel” (Provence, France)

The Icon of Rosé Luxury

No luxury rosé list is complete without Whispering Angel, the wine that revolutionized the premium rosé market. Produced at Château d’Esclans, this blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Vermentino is all about finesse—think ripe strawberry, citrus zest, and a whisper of herbs. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Perfect Pairing: Lobster rolls, truffle-infused dishes, or simply on its own, chilled to perfection.

For a successful weekend as a gentleman in Montréal from June 19 to 22, 2025

After a break for the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, Gentologie is back with another refined selection of activities and experiences. With a weekend that promises to be partly rainy and warm (finally), make the most of this elegant weekend of culture, gastronomy, style, and cinema during for a successful weekend as a gentleman in Montréal from June 19 to 22, 2025, 2025.

Marie-Claire Blais and Berthe Weil at Montréal Museum of Fine Arts

With gloomy weather on the horizon, why not take the opportunity to stroll through the galleries of the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts and discover the first major exhibition dedicated to the fascinating career of gallery owner Berthe Weill (1865–1951)?

This important but almost forgotten figure in the history of modern art was the first woman to support emerging “young painters.” She promoted some of the greatest artists we know today from the very beginning of their careers: Pablo Picasso, Raoul Dufy, Marc Chagall, Amedeo Modigliani, Diego Rivera, Henri Matisse, Suzanne Valadon, and many others.

On view until September 7, 2025.

Until January 4, 2026, artist Marie-Claire Blais is presenting her first solo exhibition in a Quebec museum. The exhibition unveils a completely new body of work, consisting of a monumental installation, paintings, and a sound piece. In this contemplative environment, the pictorial atmospheres, tinged with pink, blue, and orange, evoke the daily experience of sunrise and sunset. An exhibition that you must see.

Wines to to buy for a successful weekend as a gentleman in Montréal from June 19 to 22, 2025

  1. Champagne
    • Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut
      • Tasted at the Canadian Grand Prix and at Maison Territo last weekend, it is still a magnificent, elegant champagne. Fresh, elegant, fine bubbles.
      • SAQ Code : 453084
  2. Rosé
    • Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel
      • Also tasted at the Grand Prix, this rosé is a gourmet rosé. Elegant with 1.2 grams of sugar per litre, it will quickly become one of your favourites.
      • SAQ Code : 11416984

Happy French Wednesday at Happy Wednesday

Courtesy Hong Kong Jockey Club
Courtesy Hong Kong Jockey Club

Time Out says

French May is in full swing, and Hong Kong is bustling with all sorts of Francophile happenings, including the highly anticipated return of Happy French Wednesday. Throughout this month, the Hong Kong Jockey Club is collaborating with the French Arts Festival and French GourMay Food and Wine Festival to present a French soirée at the Happy Valley Racecourse – it’s the place to be!

In addition to weekly back-to-back live horse races and the Sauternes Cup on May 28, the racecourse’s French parties will feature live music performances from sensational acts. Be blown away by MsLolo’s powerful stage presence on May 7, get hyped with the live band Deluxe on May 14 and 21, and don’t miss Leanne Jackson’s velvety vocals on May 28. Each week will also showcase mesmerising dance performances; expect to see playful Moulin Rouge outfits chic 1960s Saint-Tropez stylings, and dancers decked out in retro costumes. 

Time Out Hong Kong in partnership with Hong Kong Jockey Club

Time Out says

French May is in full swing, and Hong Kong is bustling with all sorts of Francophile happenings, including the highly anticipated return of Happy French Wednesday. Throughout this month, the Hong Kong Jockey Club is collaborating with the French Arts Festival and French GourMay Food and Wine Festival to present a French soirée at the Happy Valley Racecourse – it’s the place to be!

In addition to weekly back-to-back live horse races and the Sauternes Cup on May 28, the racecourse’s French parties will feature live music performances from sensational acts. Be blown away by MsLolo’s powerful stage presence on May 7, get hyped with the live band Deluxe on May 14 and 21, and don’t miss Leanne Jackson’s velvety vocals on May 28. Each week will also showcase mesmerising dance performances; expect to see playful Moulin Rouge outfits chic 1960s Saint-Tropez stylings, and dancers decked out in retro costumes. 

Come hungry, as there’ll be plenty of food trucks offering French gourmet options as far as the eye can see. Pick up glasses of rosé from Whispering Angel’s dedicated food truck…

Whispering Angel unveils a lighter bottle and new vintage

By Sybil Mulcahy

Whispering Angel has unveiled a step forward in its sustainability journey with the lightweighting of its 2024 vintage bottle.

The new design, which now weighs 500g compared to the previous 600g, marks a 20% reduction in glass use in support of Château d’Esclans’ pledge to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 50% before 2030.

This change extends far beyond aesthetics. By reducing the bottle’s weight, Whispering Angel is helping to significantly lessen its environmental footprint—not just in production but across the entire supply chain.

Whispering Angel wine. Pic: Supplied

The shift is estimated to save approximately 3,795 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, contributing meaningfully to global efforts in lowering energy consumption, waste, and transportation-related emissions.

Alongside its sustainability advances, the 2024 vintage of Whispering Angel has been released, offering a rich yet bone-dry character.

Harvested between sunrise and midday, the grapes used in Whispering Angel are optically sorted before undergoing fermentation and ageing in temperature-controlled stainless steel.

Pic: Whispering Angel

Now available for €26.65 (RRP), Whispering Angel 2024 can be found at independent wine retailers including Mitchell & Son, D Six Wines, The Parcel Concierge (Meath), and O’Driscolls (Cork), as well as nationwide in Avoca Stores, Brown Thomas, O’Briens, and Molloys.

DeWine Fest: The festival that put Bar on the wine map of the region

by Vino.rs Editorial Team

The rvi DeWine Fest , held on April 26, 2025 at the Princess Hotel in Bar, immediately showed that it has the potential to become a key point in the region’s wine calendar. More than 60 exhibitors from Montenegro, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia presented a rich selection of wines – from orange and sparkling wines, to powerful red coupages and refreshing white labels.

An extensive list of participants announced the gala performance at the pool of a prestigious hotel, but the storm played with the organization. Dark clouds over the largest Montenegrin harbor decided to move the festival to a large hall overlooking the sea.

From small and large domestic winemakers, through exclusivity from the region, to the giants Plantaža, Imako, Tikveš, from regional orange and sparkling wines, to the top wine delicacies of the Jerman winery or the far-famed Whispering Angel rosé in multi-sized bottle editions, everything had its own meaning and logical sequence. So let’s start from the beginning.