Toast of the season: the best rosé wine to buy this summer 2018

It's been quite a few years since rosé wine was crowned the indisputable drink of the summer and its popularity on these long, light evening shows no sign of abating in 2018.

“Waitrose expect another rosy year of rosé sales this spring and summer," says Xenia Irwin MW (Master of Wine), wine buyer at Waitrose.

Irwin predicts that lighter Provençale-style rosés will continue to be popular following a bumper year in 2017.

"Last year saw a 97 per cent year-on-year increase in Provence rosé and lighter shades of pale pink look destined to be popular once again."

But what should you accompany your glass of summer with? Is it the best wine to pair with a meal, or will a nice view and a couple of crisps do?

Farmdrop’s wine buyer and in-house wine expert, Lucy Lettice says: "There is something so enticing and alluring about a crisp, cool glassful of rosé in the summer months.

"Its light, fresh and fruity notes make it less of a food wine and more of a salmon pink aperitif, which explains is why it's so popular when the sun is out, and particularly so for picnics.

"However, it is great with food as well, pairing perfectly with seasonal berries or vegetables; steamed asparagus with brown butter and capers comes to mind."

Scroll through the gallery above to see our pick of the best rosé to buy this summer for every budget.