Today rosé wine isn’t just something we just turn to in a heatwave, perfect though it is then. Sales of rosé have exploded in Britain - as well as France - in recent years, especially the very pale-coloured rosés produced in Provence. But might we have reached peak Provence rosé now? Andy and Victoria explore the rise of rosé, why it’s the colour it is, and what other rosés are worth a try.

Featured:

Whispering Angel (Sacha Lichine)

Maison Mirabeau (Stephen and Jeany Cronk)

M de Minity

Château Léoube

Aix

Recommended wines:

Château Ollieux Romanis Racine rosé 2025, Corbières (The Wine Society, £11.95)

Boutari “Dianthos” rosé 2025, PGI Imathia (Tesco, £11.50)

Moropolous rosé 2024, PGI Arcadia (Lea & Sandeman, £19.95 or £17.50 as part of a mixed case of 12)

Mas de la Rouvière rosé 2025, Bandol (Yapp, £23.50)

Original music by Rosa Neather ⁠https://open.spotify.com/track/6U2rMSG1sTA3DAvYlXmE9f?si=Xh4HdR2nQhe6C79hYumNlw

The war in the Persian Gulf has already sent oil prices soaring and hit global supplies of natural gas and fertiliser - so how well cushioned is the wine industry? Costs of diesel, electricity, bottles and shipping are all going up for wine producers and importers. But some of the industry’s moves towards sustainability will help blunt the impact. We look at renewable energy and hear from Rathfinny Estate’s owner, Mark Driver, about how they’re using solar power to cut bills. We explore how bottles have got lighter, cutting energy use. And we look at how bulk shipping has cut the energy used to get a bottle of wine to your table.

Featured:

Rathfinny Estate, Sussex

Simpson’s Wine Estate, Kent

Gusbourne Estate, Kent

Mouchão, Portugal

Domaine Bousquet, Argentina

Rippon Vineyard, New Zealand

Andy’s book with Jane Masters MW is Rooted in Change: The Stories Behind Sustainable Wine http://bit.ly/4t7OKlV

Recommended wines:

Zuccardi Regiones Cabernet Franc

Speri Valpolicella and Valpolicella Superiore

Original music by Rosa Neather ⁠https://open.spotify.com/track/6U2rMSG1sTA3DAvYlXmE9f?si=Xh4HdR2nQhe6C79hYumNlw

Episode 6: Lebanon makes fabulous wines, part of the country’s rich tradition of hospitality and good food. But now Lebanon’s winemakers find themselves in desperate straits under yet another assault by Israel, part of the wider conflict in the Middle East. Andy Neather and Victoria Moore discuss what makes Lebanese wine special and find out how winemakers are coping in the latest war, with contributions from award-winning Anglo-Lebanese writer Michael Karam.

Featured:

Michael Karam's book, Wines of Lebanon: The Journey Continues

Château Ksara "Le Prieuré"

Domaine des Tourelles "Cuvée Pierre Brun"

We also discuss Château Musar, Ixsir and Château Kefraya

Original music by Rosa Neather https://open.spotify.com/track/6U2rMSG1sTA3DAvYlXmE9f?si=Xh4HdR2nQhe6C79hYumNlw