Dame Joan Collins kicks off rosé season with pink carpet moment at M&S

Today, M&S Food kicked off rosé season in sensational style led by legend, icon and M&S Food ambassador Dame Joan Collins, ahead of the first May Bank holiday weekend.

Hollywood icon and M&S Food Ambassador Dame Joan Collins has officially declared rosé season open across the nation, bringing her unmistakable glamour and wit to the start of summer sipping. Standing beside a larger-than-life rosé tower, showcasing Dame Joan’s favourite M&S Rosé La Balconne Organic Provence, she announced to rosé lovers across the country that it was finally time to ‘begin sipping’.

“Rosé season has arrived, though I’ve never been one to need permission to pour a glass,” Dame Joan comments, adding, “Who needs the South of France when you can simply glide into your local M&S Foodhall and find the finest rosé right there? You don’t need a Riviera postcode, just impeccable taste… preferably chilled.”

Dame Joan’s Top Tips for the perfect glass of rosé:

1. Rose always tastes better with a lovely view. Whether it’s picturesque surrounding, a sunlit terrace, or simply being with the right company. 
2. Rose is sunshine in a glass. As such, it may be enjoyed come rain, shine, or any weather.
3. You don’t need a Riviera postcode to drink like the French, just impeccable taste, preferably chilled.

This year also marks M&S’ biggest ever range of Rose, and with the weather hotting up and the bank holiday weekend ahead, M&S is forecasting a pink Summer, selling a bottle of rosé every 2 seconds during peak period.

With the first May bank holiday marking the unofficial start of outdoor entertaining, M&S is inviting customers to raise a glass and discover their perfect rosé in stores nationwide. And to help encourage customers to celebrate rosé season, M&S is offering an exclusive 10% saving all summer long when you purchase any four bottles in store.

M&S winemaker Belinda Kleinig says: ‘This summer, M&S is helping everyone find their perfect shade of pink, with a stunning selection of rosé wines. New wine on the block is our Lisboa Bonita Rosé from sunny Portugal – fresh and elegant, it’s made for easy sipping. For picnics and summer parties, our brilliant-value Italian Rosato pouch is perfect for sharing. Whatever summer brings, you can always rely on a glass of sunshine when you have a rosé in your hand. Cheers!’

La Balconne Organic Provence Rose, £16, 75cl   Dame Joan’s pick! An elegant, organic rosé from the vineyards of Provence, with notes of white peach, strawberry and wild herbs. This soft yet complex wine works well as an aperitif, or served with seafood, salads or cheese.
	Classics Cotes de Provence Rosé,  £10, 75cl   The best-selling Rosé in the M&S Foodhall. From the renowned terroir of Côtes de Provence, the Classics Provence Rosé is crisp, delicate and dry. Bursting with flavours of strawberries and redcurrants, this rosé reflects the area’s Mediterranean warmth. It pairs perfectly with salmon, seafood, or salad.
NEW Lisboa Bonita Rosé,  £8, 75cl Lisboa Bonita Rosé is a bright, fruit-forward Portuguese wine with crisp red berry notes and a hint of watermelon. Light-bodied and refreshing, it finishes clean with gentle acidity, making it an easy-drink alongside seafood and salads.
	NEW Italian Rosato Pouch 1.5L  £12 This Italian Rosato Pouch is designed for easy pouring – ideal when you’re entertaining a crowd. This vivacious Sicilian rosé is characterised by a fresh, fruity bouquet and an enticing raspberry and cherry aroma. Enjoy it alongside salads and seafood dishes.
Found Vinho Verde Rosé, £8, 75cl   Experience the transformation of a beloved Portuguese white into our Vinho Verde Rosé. Crafted by the renowned Quinta das Arcas winery from indigenous Espadeiro and Touriga Nacional grapes, this rare spritzy rosé is delicately zesty with notes of wild strawberry and raspberry with a hint of lime. It goes well with seafood paella or grilled fish.