Below is a guide to the 10 best rosé wines from two of Europe’s most prestigious winemaking countries - France and Italy.
We explore different regions, grape varieties, and styles to help you find the top dry rosé wines that deliver on both flavour and sophistication.
And because we all like convenience, we’ve also included a few recommendations from DiVino for each style. By the end, you’ll have an authoritative list of excellent rosé wine options to suit any occasion!
1. Mount Etna Rosé, Sicily, Italy (Nerello Mascalese)
Style & Region
From the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily comes a full-bodied rosé crafted primarily from the native Nerello Mascalese grape. The region’s rich volcanic soil imparts a distinctive minerality, balancing out the fruit-forward nature of this variety. Expect a robust structure with notes of red berries, wild herbs, and a hint of smokiness.
Why It’s One of the Best
This is the epitome of a high quality rosé for those who appreciate complexity. The combination of volcanic soils and indigenous grapes produces a layered wine that pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, charcuterie, and Mediterranean dishes.
Our Top Picks:
- Tornatore Etna Rosato (Rosé): a vibrant rosé from Sicily, offering aromas of red berries, grapefruit, and a hint of volcanic minerality.
- Graci Etna Rosato (Rosé): a delicate and vibrant rosé wine from Nerello Mascalese, it offers aromas of wild strawberries, citrus, and white flowers - fresh and mineral-driven.
2. Rhône Valley Rosé, Southern France (Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault & More)
Style & Region
Renowned for its robust reds, the Rhône Valley also excels at producing lively rosés. The warm Mediterranean climate and diverse soils in the Southern Rhône encourage blends of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and occasionally Mourvèdre or Clairette. These wines typically offer ripe berry notes, subtle spice, and a refreshing thread of acidity.
Why It’s One of the Best
Rhône Valley rosés balance fruit-forward warmth with a savoury depth, making them both versatile and flavourful. Expect vibrant red fruit, hints of herbs, and a delicate minerality - perfect for pairing with charcuterie, grilled seafood, or light poultry dishes. If you’re after a rosé that combines elegance and approachability, the Rhône is a top contender.
Our Top Picks:
- Mas Des Bressades Rosé: a Grenache/Syrah/Cinsault blend, delivering bright strawberry notes and an elegant finish.
- Famille Perrin Reserve Côtes du Rhône Rosé: Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah unite in a fresh, fruit-driven style with a subtle spicy edge.
- Domaine Les Pallières Au Petit Bonheur Rosé: Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette bring vibrant red berries and floral complexity, underscored by lively acidity.
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Cháteau d'Aqueria Tavel Rosé: Crafted from Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah, it features enticing aromas of wild strawberries, cherry, with a rich palate offering red fruit flavours and a refreshing, dry finish.
3. Provence Rosé, South of France (Grenache-Based)
Style & Region
Number 3 on the list of 10 best rosé wines would be complete without mentioning Provence, the world-renowned region in the south of France that sets the benchmark for light, crisp rosé. Generally crafted from Grenache, with possible additions of Cinsault, Syrah, or Mourvèdre, Provence rosés are known for their pale colour, bright acidity, and delicate flavours of citrus, red berries, and melon.
Why It’s One of the Best
Provence rosé has become synonymous with summer refreshment and elegance. This is the quintessential excellent rosé to sip al fresco, thanks to its light body and refreshing profile.
Our Top Picks:
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Château Yssolle 'Chabaud' Rosé: a crisp and aromatic wine crafted from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah grapes. This dry, light-bodied rosé offers enticing aromas of strawberries, red currants, and citrus, with a refreshing palate.
- Château la Seigneurie AOC Cote de Provence Rosé: is a refreshing rosé from Grenache and Cinsault, with aromas of strawberries, grapefruit, and floral hints. It is dry and crisp, perfect for warm days.
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Les Complices des Calanques Grain de Soleil Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Organic Rosé: offers crisp acidity and a refreshing finish, making it an ideal choice for warm afternoons and leisurely meals.
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Coeur Clémentine Côtes de Provence Rosé: a delicate and refreshing blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah grapes. This dry, light-bodied rosé offers enticing aromas of strawberries, peach, and citrus.
4. Abruzzo Rosé, Italy (Montepulciano & Merlot)
Style & Region
Nestled in central Italy between the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea, Abruzzo is famed for its rugged terrain and coastal influences. Montepulciano grapes - known for robust reds - also produce a full-flavoured rosé with bright berry notes and lively acidity. Merlot may join the blend, adding soft fruit and a rounder mouthfeel, reflecting both mountain terroir and maritime freshness.
Why It’s One of the Best
By blending Montepulciano’s structure with Merlot’s plush fruit, Abruzzo rosés are both vibrant and balanced. Expect fruit-forward aromas, zesty acidity, and subtle tannins -perfect with seafood pasta, antipasti, or summer barbecues. For a richer style of rosé that still feels refreshing, look no further than Abruzzo.
Our Top Picks:
- Gianni Masciarelli 'Villa Gemma' Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Doc Superiore Rosé: is a vibrant rosé made from Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, with aromas of cherries, strawberries, and rose petals. It is full-bodied and refreshing, perfect for warm days.
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Caldora Colle dei Venti Rosé: is an Italian rosé that is light in colour and bold in flavour, made from Merlot with notes of wild strawberries, cherries, and a hint of citrus. It is fresh and light-bodied, perfect for warm summer days.
5. Loire Valley Rosé, France (Pinot Noir blends)
Style & Region
From the Atlantic coast to central France, the Loire Valley produces a wide range of rosés. Grolleau, Pinot Noir, and Gamay blends bring bright fruit, crisp acidity, and subtle minerality, mirroring the region’s cool climate and varied terroirs.
Why It’s One of the Best
These nuanced wines feature lively red fruit (Grolleau), refined structure (Pinot Noir), and juicy berry flavours (Gamay). The result is a versatile, crisp rosé perfect for seafood, salads, or tangy goat cheese - ideal for those craving complexity and refreshment.
Our Top Picks:
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François Chidaine Touraine Rosé: a fresh and elegant wine from the Loire Valley, France, crafted from a blend of Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Côt grapes. This light-bodied rosé offers aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and white flowers, with a crisp palate showcasing red berries, citrus, and a subtle mineral finish, balanced by vibrant acidity.
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Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Rosé: an exceptional expression of Loire Valley winemaking, with subtle strawberry, red currant, and floral notes. Its crisp acidity and mineral finish make it perfect for alfresco dining.
6. Campania Rosé, Italy (Aglianico)
Style & Region
Heading down to southern Italy, we find a punchy, don’t-hold-back rosé made from the robust Aglianico grape. Campania's warm climate infuses the grapes with concentrated fruit flavours - think red berries, tart cherries, and a slightly savoury edge.
Why It’s One of the Best
Aglianico is renowned for producing some of Italy’s most structured reds, so it’s no surprise that the rosé version delivers depth and complexity. This is an excellent rosé wine for those seeking something with a bit more bite and intensity.
Our Top Picks:
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Feudi di San Gregorio Rosaura Beneventuno Rosato (Rosé): a delicate and aromatic rosé from Campania, Italy. This rosato offers flavours of red berries, pomegranate, and a hint of citrus, with a refreshing acidity and smooth finish.
- Villa Raiano Orano Rosato IGT (Rosé): a lively and refreshing rosé wine which offers fresh aromas of strawberry, cherry, and floral notes, balanced by crisp acidity and a clean, dry finish.
7. Tuscan Rosé, Italy (Sangiovese)
Style & Region
Known primarily for its legendary reds (Chianti, Brunello), Tuscany also produces standout best rosé wines using Sangiovese grapes. Often referred to as “Rosato di Toscana,” these wines blend the cherry-driven brightness of Sangiovese with a refreshing, medium-bodied rosé profile.
Why It’s One of the Best
Sangiovese’s naturally high acidity translates beautifully into rosé, resulting in a zesty wine with bright red fruit and subtle herbal undertones. If you love Tuscan reds but want a lighter, summertime-friendly option, look no further.
Our Top Pick:
- Babo Rosato (Rosé): a lively Tuscan rosé made from Sangiovese. It delivers bright aromas of red berries, citrus, and floral hints, with a vibrant, dry palate and refreshing acidity.
8. Lombardy Rosé, Italy (Barbera or Nebbiolo)
Style & Region
Nestled in northern Italy, Lombardy boasts diverse terroirs from the Alpine slopes of Valtellina to the rolling hills of Oltrepò Pavese. Rosé here - often labelled “Rosato” - is frequently produced from Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) or Nebbiolo (known locally as Chiavennasca). Expect refined wines with bright acidity, a cool-climate freshness, and subtle complexity.
Why It’s One of the Best
Nebbiolo-based rosé from Valtellina offers vibrant red berry notes, delicate floral hints, refined tannins, and a tangy structure - making it an ideal choice for those seeking a high quality rosé with complex layers. If you love nuanced wines, Lombardy has you covered.
Our Top Pick:
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Mamete Prevostini Monrose Rosato IGT Terrazze Retiche di Sondrio (Rosé): a refined rosé from Lombardy, Italy. It features notes of raspberry, cherry, and a touch of minerality, with a crisp and refreshing finish.
9. Burgundy Rosé, France (Pinot Noir)
Style & Region
While Burgundy is famous for its revered Pinot Noir reds, it also produces notable rosés - particularly in Marsannay, the northernmost appellation of the Côte de Nuits. Crafted entirely from Pinot Noir, these rosés showcase delicate red berry aromas, a subtle mineral backbone, and a refined elegance that only Burgundy’s terroir can offer.
Why It’s One of the Best
Burgundy rosés provide a sophisticated take on this style, balancing fresh acidity with just enough fruit and a gentle floral edge. They pair beautifully with lighter fare like quiches, roast chicken, or soft cheeses, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a classy, food-friendly rosé.
Our Top Pick:
- Domaine Collotte Marsannay Rosé: a stunning Pinot Noir expression featuring bright strawberry and raspberry notes, a delicate texture, and a lingering, mineral-driven finish.
10. Puglia Rosé, Italy (Negroamaro / Malvasia Nera)
Style & Region
In Salento’s warm, coastal climate, Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera produce rosés bursting with strawberry, cherry, and subtle floral notes. Expect refreshing acidity balanced by a rounder mouthfeel, thanks to Puglia’s Mediterranean influence.
Why It’s One of the Best
These full-flavoured rosés excel at pairing with seafood pasta, grilled veggies, or light meats - making them a fruit-forward, food-friendly choice with just the right savoury edge.
Our Top Pick:
- Leone de Castris Five Roses Rosato (Rosé) Salento IGT: a celebrated Italian rosé crafted from Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera grapes with aromas of wild strawberries, cherries, and a hint of rose petals, with a vibrant, dry palate and a refreshing, lingering finish.
Pairing Tips & Final Thoughts
When thinking about top dry rosé wines, it’s crucial to consider the food pairings and the occasion. Lighter French rosés from Provence or Languedoc pair beautifully with salads, seafood, and grilled vegetables, while a punchy Aglianico rosé or Tavel can handle heartier fare like roast chicken, spiced seafood stews, or savoury tarts.
Rosé isn’t just for summer - these 10 best rosé wines are versatile enough to enjoy year-round. The key is matching the weight and flavour profile of the wine to the dish at hand. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard gathering or a refined dinner party, reaching for an excellent rosé wine from either France or Italy ensures you’ll have something both elegant and food-friendly in your glass.
In Search of the Perfect Rosé?
The diverse range of grapes, regions, and climates offers endless possibilities. Whether you’re drawn to a full-bodied style from Mt. Etna or a light, crisp number from Provence, these are the best rosé options for explorers, connoisseurs, and casual sippers alike. Whenever you’re in doubt, revisit this list of rosé top picks to find a bottle that perfectly suits the moment - and don’t forget to check out the recommendations from us for a straightforward path to finding your next best dry rosé wine. Cheers!