6 of the best rosé wines and why you should drink them

EVEN if the sun isn’t shining, there’s something about a glass of chilled rosé that makes you feel as though you’re on holiday.

The secret to this fruity wine – with its beautiful shades, ranging from a pale “onion skin” orange to darker pinks and even purples – is the reduced grape skin contact, giving it its distinctive colour.

In fact, the longer the grape skins are left in the juice during the winemaking process, the darker the colour of the finished rosé. Best served chilled, rosé wine is a blend best savoured with friends, family around a pool or over an intimate, romantic dinner.

Before you crack open a bottle of vino, we recommend taking a look at Thabang Mamkeli’s favourite picks. Mamkeli is a sommelier at boutique liquor and e-commerce outlet, Dry Dock Liquor.

Dewetshof Lilya

An abundance of free limestone is complemented by a heavy clay component, ensuring excellent water retention and adding structure and fullness to this delicate wine.

Sijnn Saignee

It has a very light red colour with a russet hue (like a dark rose or light pinot noir). It also has a beguiling savoury nose and complex red berry flavours, with forest floor aspects. Excellent with light curry dishes, especially fish, chicken, or vegetables with moderate heat or spice.

Spider Pig Brozay

Very comfortable in its own pink skin. It’s a light, fresh, delicious rosé for everyone and every daytime occasion. Pool time – excellent. Lunchtime – winning. Summer in a glass.

Holden Manz Rothko

A smooth, elegant, creamy wine with finesse and a long finish. Best drunk with friends while enjoying nature’s magnificence – if possible, with freshly shucked salty oysters.

Avondale Camissa

A blend of three flavourful varieties, Camissa arrests the nose with rose petals, scented pelargonium, and fresh red fruits of the earth. Hints of Turkish Delight and lemon zest attest to the perfect acidity of this wine; for it may appear sweet but it finishes completely dry.

Copper Lining Copper Rosé

This perfect pale copper colour rosé boasts delicate aromas of lilac flowers and roses, white peaches, fresh pears and honeydew melon.

The wine brims with delicate red berries, cranberries and just-ripe plums, there is a surprising touch of earthy “maturity”, lending layers of interest and complexity. The acidity is refreshing, rounded, and full with good length.

Dry, vibrant with pinpoint freshness, elegant textures, and crunch, medium-bodied. A fresh, clean minerality with a hint of citrus peel ensures a lingering finish.