Franco's is a bonafide institution in St James's. It opened on Jermyn Street in 1945 as one of London's first Italian restaurants, and has been serving loyal customers ever since – until now, of course, as the COVID-19 crisis shakes the restaurant industry.

 

We asked Franco's head sommelier Giulia Fenoglio to provide us with her top recommendations for rosé wines​ – and what dishes to pair with each.

Perrier Jouët, Blason Rosé NV Reims, France

(45% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir, 5% Pinot Meunier; 12% ABV)

Full and round on the palate, with characteristic notes of red and black fruit, this sophisticated rosé champagne is crafted with food in mind. It offers the generous, complex flavours that can accompany a meal from starter to dessert. It has intense aromas of ripe red and black fruit – strawberry, raspberry and blackberry – complemented by a hint of exotic pomegranate.

FOOD PAIRING: Fish (particularly Tuna) and tomato based dishes.

Supplier: Enotria

Maximum Rosé, Ferrari NV Trentino Alto Adige, Italy

(40% Chardonnay, 60% Pinot Nero; 12.5% ABV)

The colour of the Ferrari Maximum rose is a salmon rose, its perlage is very delicate, fine and persistent. It is fragrant on the nose, with dominant red fruit notes. On the mouth, it is fresh, elegant and well-balanced with a very long finish.

We like it because it pairs perfectly with seafood (also raw) starters, seafood risotto or pasta dishes, ideal for summer. It's also excellent paired with delicate cured meat, like bresaola.

Supplier: Enotria

‘A' Rosato, Fattoria Aldobrandesca Antinori 2018 Tuscany, Italy

(100% Aleatico; 12.5% ABV)

A golden salmon in colour, this wine reflects the effort of the Antinori family to create a top quality rosé starting from the rich terroir of the Maremma area. On the nose, mango, nectarine and orange zest flavours are concentrated yet well structured; while on the palate its freshness and its minerality will make a lovely pairing with raw fish (sushi, sashimi), fresh cheese and crustacean-based dishes.

Supplier: Berkmann

‘Rock Angel’ Caves D’Eclans, Domaine Sacha Lichine 2018 Provence, France

(Grenache, Vermentino; 13.5% ABV)

This exceptional rosé is fresh with light fruit aromas on the nose, also with complex notes of liquorice and a hint of angelica. On the palate, it is harmonious – with delicious red fruit flavours and a surprising spicy finish. Probably one of the best expressions of the Provence rosé, we love this because it's versatile and could be successfully paired with a broad range of different dishes and cuisines. Try it with grilled chicken or dover sole.

Supplier: Berkmann

Grenache Rosé, Willunga 100 2019 McLaren Vale, South Australia

(100% Grenache; 13.5% ABV)

It’s not every day that rosé is made from the handpicked fruit of 60 year old dry grown bush vines. It’s fairly dry, but comes over lush thanks to its viscous mouthfeel. Lots of strawberries and cherries and rose petals here nestle into a gorgeous texture. This will be the perfect match for fresh summer salads and light dishes.

Supplier: Liberty Wines

 

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