This wine isn’t linked to the series, but we’re all about a ‘Love Island’ drop. No shade intended, but am I the only one who finds Provence rosé a bit, well, expensive?
I mean, on the plus side, they should copyright their irresistible tutu pink colour and I’m all about the thirst-quenching style, but would it kill them to lower their prices a smidge?
Well, now we have the antidote in the shape of the new ‘Love Island rosé’, or Isula d’Amore. It’s fresh, dry and fruity, £11 at Ocado and controversially for rosé aficionados, it’s from Corsica, not Provence. Oh, and for fellow lovers of trashy reality TV, it’s gone and landed just in time for the new series of Love Island, airing on June 3.
While it may not be affiliated with the series, you can almost imagine Maya Jama sipping a glass after she’s done sashaying into the villa. That’s right, Isula d’Amore Rosé isn’t actually the official wine of the series, they’ve just given it the same name and a similar release date.
Isula d’Amore sitting pretty ahead of the new series launch of Love Island (Picture: Rob Buckhaven) It’s made from a juicy blend of local Corsican grapes, Niellucciu and Sciaccarellu, as well as Syrah and Grenache, which also go into Provence rosé. The local grapes, which I challenge you to pronounce after a glass or two, bring in a mouthwatering line of acidity and overall fruitiness that, in my opinion, give Corsican rosé a uniquely appealing fruit intensity.
Take Isula d’Amore Rosé as an example, it’s a light coral-coloured wine with a perfumed nose of apricot blossom and dry flavours of melon, pomegranate and satsuma sherbet. Absolutely delish and perfection for bank holiday sipping. Plus, it’s only £11 as opposed to high teens for Provence wines, mainly because people haven’t come to discover the epic pink wines of Corsica yet.
Ok, so now I feel guilty about going in too hard on Provence. Don’t get me wrong, I doff my cap to the Provence rosé category, it’s a genuine phenomenon. Especially with all the hours of work brands like Whispering Angel and Brangelina’s Chateau Miraval have put in to promote it. Provence rosés have a signature dry and fruity flavour profile, providing maximum refreshment to thirsty guzzlers around the world. Opening a bottle basically means that summer has arrived, even in May.
I know, I know, Provence pearl-clutchers are going to troll me, but as So, here’s the scoop, I’m a massive fan of rosé from Corsica.
POUR YOURSELF A GLASS OF…
If you consider yourself a connoisseur of the finer things in life, then you need to immerse yourself in the world of Corsican wine. This sun-kissed Mediterranean island, also known as L’Ile de Beauté (The Island of Beauty), is located just south of France and is renowned for producing exceptional wines. With its proximity to both France and Italy, Corsican wine offers a seductive blend of French and Italian styles.
Corsica may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wine, but it is actually the major producer of rosé in the country. Each year, they produce a staggering 35 million bottles of this delightful pink drink. While this may pale in comparison to the 157 million bottles produced in Provence, Corsica’s rosés have gained popularity thanks to their fresh and pale characteristics, perfect for sipping under the sun.
In addition to its wine production, Corsica is also famous for being the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, who was known to be a wine enthusiast. Despite his love for heavy Burgundy and Bordeaux reds, it is said that Napoleon had a secret: he would dilute his wine with water. Ironically, the refreshing rosés of Corsica would have been right up his alley.
Stay ahead of the curve and join wine expert Rob as he explores the world of Corsican wine. He will introduce you to the wines of the season and the spirits that are making waves. Rob will speak with experts and mixologists to uncover the latest concoctions and find the best non-alcoholic options for those looking to moderate. He will also delve into the world of food pairings, ensuring that you have the perfect accompaniment for your drops. And if you’re tired of all the TikTok chatter, Rob is here to demystify the liquid landscape for you.
So, pour yourself a glass of Corsican wine and let yourself be transported to this beautiful island. Cheers to discovering the hidden gems of the wine world!
