Wine lovers looking for the perfect bottle this summer need look no further than the newly announced 50 Great Rosé Wines of the World 2026, where Spain has claimed the highest honours with two outstanding 97-point wines and producers from across Europe demonstrating the remarkable diversity and quality of today’s rosé category.
Organised by Wine Pleasures, the third bi-annual competition brought together an international panel of judges to evaluate rosé wines in blind tastings.
The highest score of the competition – 97 points and a Gold Medal – was awarded to two wines from Bodegas Murviedro in the Valencia wine region, Spain.
Audentia Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2025 topped the Rosé Dry (No Oak) category, impressing judges with its vibrant fruit, freshness and precision, while Sericis Pinot Noir Rosé 2025 shared the top score in the oak-aged category, demonstrating that subtle barrel influence can add texture and complexity without sacrificing elegance.
Pale Rosés Continue to Shine – But Fuller Styles Make Their Mark
The results reflect current consumer trends, with many of the highest-scoring wines displaying the pale salmon and delicate pink hues that have become synonymous with premium rosé. However, the competition also highlighted the increasing appreciation for richer, darker-coloured rosés offering greater body, structure and food-pairing potential.
Several oak-influenced wines earned Gold medals, demonstrating that carefully crafted barrel ageing can produce rosés with exceptional depth and longevity.
Portugal and Italy Deliver Outstanding Performances
Portugal enjoyed an exceptional showing across multiple categories. Montinho de São Miguel from Casa Relvas achieved 96 points, while Phenomena from Quanta Terra secured 95 points in the oak-aged division. Other Portuguese producers, including Herdade do Freixo and Caves São João, also featured prominently among the medal winners.
Italy likewise impressed with several Gold medal recipients, led by Filieri Rosè from Cantina Dorgali with 96 points and Rosè Liende from La Viarte with 95 points, showcasing the country’s remarkable diversity of rosé styles.
France Confirms Its Benchmark Status
France continued to demonstrate why it remains one of the world’s great rosé-producing nations. Fleur de Thénac earned an impressive 96 points, while wines from Côtes de Provence and other renowned regions collected numerous Gold and Silver medals, reinforcing the country’s reputation for elegant, refined rosé production.
Emerging Wine Regions Gain International Recognition
Beyond the established producing countries, the competition showcased the growing quality emerging from lesser-known wine regions. Wines from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Serbia earned Silver medals, illustrating how rosé excellence is no longer confined to traditional strongholds.
Outstanding Quality at Every Price Point
One of the most striking findings from this year’s competition was the exceptional value available to consumers. Several Gold medal winners retail for under €10, including Audentia Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé, proving that outstanding quality and affordability can go hand in hand.
The diversity of grape varieties, winemaking techniques and regional styles represented in the Top 50 demonstrates that rosé has firmly established itself as a sophisticated and versatile category capable of satisfying both casual summer drinkers and serious wine enthusiasts.
Anthony Swift, Competition Director, commented: “This year’s results demonstrate the extraordinary evolution of rosé wines worldwide. While elegant pale styles remain hugely popular, our judges were equally impressed by fuller-bodied and oak-aged rosés that offer remarkable complexity and gastronomic appeal. The competition highlights not only established regions but also exciting emerging producers that are redefining what great rosé can be.”
The complete list of winners in the 50 Great Rosé Wines of the World 2026 showcases outstanding bottles for every occasion, from refreshing summer aperitifs to complex food-friendly wines worthy of the finest dining tables.
0 Comments