Our Favourite Non-Pale Rosé Wines
When most people think of rosé, they picture that super pale, almost watery-pink wine that’s been all over Instagram the last few years. But there’s a whole world of non-pale rosés — deeper in colour, bolder in flavour — that deserve way more attention. These rosés aren’t just pretty to look at; they often have richer fruit, more character, and a food-friendly punch that pale styles sometimes miss. Whether it’s a vibrant cherry-hued rosé from Spain or a deep salmon Provence-style with extra body, these wines show that rosé doesn’t have to be light and delicate to be seriously good (or seriously fun). If you’ve only sipped the pale stuff, you might be missing out.
The Problem With Pale Rosé
Pale rosé wine — the kind that’s super light pink, almost like tinted water — has been hugely popular lately, especially in summer. But making rosé that pale isn’t as simple as it looks. The colour comes from the grape skins, and winemakers have to be really careful about how long they let the juice touch the skins — too short and it’s flavourless, too long and it gets darker than people want. The tricky part is that lighter rosé doesn’t always mean better taste, but because pale rosé has become such a trend, wineries sometimes feel pressured to focus on colour over quality. On top of that, demand has grown so fast that some regions are pumping out massive amounts, which can lead to overproduction and less attention to craftsmanship. So while pale rosé looks easy-going in your glass, behind the scenes it’s a bit of a balancing act for winemakers.
Why You Should Drink Non-Pale Rosé
If you’ve ever thought of rosé as just a summer porch sipper, it’s time to rethink things — especially when it comes to non-pale styles. These darker rosés can surprise you with their versatility and depth, making them great options year-round, not just when it’s sunny out. They can stand up to heartier dishes, pair with a wide range of flavours, or even work as a bold choice for casual sipping when you want something a little different. Plus, exploring different shades of rosé opens the door to discovering new grapes, regions, and styles you might never have tried otherwise. It’s an easy way to shake up your usual wine routine without needing to be a wine expert.
Some of Our Favourites
Markovits, Alkemi Rosé, 2023
The Markovits Alkemi Rosé 2023 is a vibrant, characterful rosé from Hungary’s Balaton region, crafted by young winemaker Peter Markovits, known for his expressive, minimal-intervention wines. With its deeper hue, juicy red berry flavours, hint of spice, and savoury finish, Alkemi stands apart from typical pale rosés, offering freshness with real depth and personality. It’s an ideal choice for those looking beyond light Provençal styles — playful yet thoughtful, a picnic wine with enough character for the dinner table.
Alessandro Viola, Rosé, 2023
Alessandro Viola’s 2023 Rosé is a great way to rethink everything you thought you knew about rosé. Based in Sicily, Viola is known for his low-intervention, honest winemaking — letting the local grapes and terroir speak for themselves without additives or manipulation. This rosé is vibrant but not the typical pale, delicate style many expect; instead, it’s fuller in flavour, with juicy red fruit, a touch of spice, and that signature Sicilian freshness. It’s an easy-drinking but characterful bottle that shows rosé can be both fun and serious — a perfect introduction for anyone curious about bolder, natural rosés without needing to be a wine expert.
Gérard Boulay, Sancerre Rosé 'Sibylle', 2022
The 2022 Gérard Boulay Sancerre Rosé ‘Sibylle’ is a beautiful expression of Loire Valley rosé from one of Sancerre’s most respected small producers. Boulay, whose family has grown vines in Chavignol since the 14th century, is best known for his razor-sharp, terroir-driven Sauvignon Blancs — but his rosé, made entirely from Pinot Noir, is a hidden gem. This isn’t your typical pale, poolside rosé; instead, it’s vibrant, aromatic, and packed with character. Think wild strawberries, crushed herbs, and a touch of minerality, with a refreshing zip of acidity that makes it super food-friendly. For someone just getting into rosé — or into wine in general — this bottle is a perfect starting point. It shows that rosé can be both fun and seriously good, with enough depth to enjoy on its own or with a meal.
Castello di Monsanto, “Sangioveto” Toscana Rosato IGT, 2016
The 2016 Castello di Monsanto “Sangioveto” Toscana Rosato is a standout example of how rosé can be so much more than just a light, summery sip. Made by the Bianchi family at Castello di Monsanto — a historic Tuscan estate known for its commitment to Sangiovese and classic winemaking — this rosato offers depth, structure, and personality. Crafted entirely from Sangiovese grapes, it shows vibrant red berry notes, a touch of spice, and a refreshing, savoury edge that sets it apart from the typical pale, Provence-style rosés. It's a great introduction for anyone curious about rosé with a bit more character and complexity, especially if you’re not sure where to start beyond the usual pale-pink bottles. With balance, food-friendliness, and the pedigree of a serious Tuscan producer, this wine proves that rosé can have both charm and substance.
Hors Champ, Le Rouge & Le Blanc, 2022
If you’re new to rosé and want more character than the typical pale pink, the 2022 Hors Champ Le Rouge & Le Blanc is a great place to start. Made by Cyril Fhal (Clos du Rouge Gorge) under his playful Hors Champ project, it blends 70% Muscat à Petit Grains with 30% Grenache Noir, given a light five-day maceration and aged eight months in demi-muids. The result: a lightly tinted, fresh yet complex rosé with floral Muscat notes, juicy red fruit, spice, and subtle tannin. Unfined, unfiltered, and sulphite-free — a perfect intro to the world of characterful rosé.
There are many more styles of rosé to discover, so have a look on our website.