Looking at life through Rosé tinted glasses

Spring has officially arrived in Emsworth, and there’s no better time to enjoy a stroll around our beautiful harbour. As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, it’s safe to say—rosé season is here.

At The Blue Bell Inn, we’re celebrating with one of Provence’s finest: AIX Rosé 2023, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence. Smooth, crisp, and effortlessly elegant, this iconic rosé is bursting with fresh red and orange fruits, a hint of spice, and a soft, creamy finish lifted by zesty acidity. Just add sunshine (and maybe a few oysters) for the perfect spring pairing.

Whether you’re soaking up the sun in our garden or unwinding after a harbour walk, there’s no better way to toast the season.

About Provence rosé

Provence rosé has become a brand unto itself, It has been the most extraordinary success story over the last decade, indeed it is difficult to think of a region, other than Champagne that is so dominated by one style of wine – nearly 90% of the region’s production is devoted to rosé. Nestling in the foothills of the imposing Maritime Alps and bordered by the impressive coastline of the Côte D’Azur, Provence is not only aspirational but the epicentre of chic hedonism and it is no surprise that the wines created here are now highly fashionable the world over.

Wine has been produced here since the Phoceans founded Marseille 2,600 years go, the Mediterranean climate is perfect: sunny, dry and warm and the vines can expect about 2,800 hours of sun each year. Perhaps Provence rosé greatest attribute is that it appeals to almost everyone and is extremely versatile when it comes to food pairing – I mean who thought Provence rosé and oysters was a thing?  Of all the rosés made in the world, the pale rosés of Provence are delicate, fresh, fruity and generous and offer great reliability, making them now as much part of the summer season as Pimm’s and Wimbledon and now it seems the summer has arrived early which is a perfect excuse to pour yourself a glass.

AIX Rosé 2023, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence 

One of the most famous wines of Provence – smooth, crisp and well-balanced, with fresh red and orange fruits. With a hint of spice, its creamy soft palate is lifted by elegant acidity. All you need to add is sunshine.

Enjoy a chilled glass as you dive into a new season delight—pan-seared, locally caught sea bass, perfectly timed after the spawning season. This exquisite fish is served atop a fresh English asparagus risotto, elegantly garnished with garlic chives and zesty lemon oil. Perfect to enjoy in the pub garden!