A Toast To Meghan Markle? The Battle Of Celebrity Rosés

As the Duchess of Sussex enters the lucrative rosé wine market, we take a look at her celebrity competition …

Meghan “call me Sussex” announced she’s launching a Napa Valley rosé wine, described as having “soft notes of stone fruit, gentle minerality, and a lasting finish”. Available to buy in July – “just in time for summer entertaining” – Meghan shared this news alongside a sun-drenched image of a bottle flanked with two glasses and some apricots beside a pool. Other new items include a limited edition orange blossom honey and apricot spread. 

There’s no confirmed price for the rosé yet, but Meghan is undoubtedly hoping to sell her wine at a premium price point. Rosé wine is catnip to celebrities, the perfect photogenic merger of glamour and accessibility. The success of brands such as Whispering Angel, Chateau Minuty and Miraval means that rosé has become a category with brand power – it’s the millennials’ champagne and gives cachet to the consumer without hurting your bank balance. We know Meghan loves red wine, especially Tignanello (after which she named her blog, The Tig), but up to now she hasn’t mentioned much about rosé.  

THE GLOSS wine editor, Julie Dupouy is sceptical about Meghan’s new endeavour. “To be honest, I’m quite annoyed at famous people diversifying what they do and trying to make more money in fields that are not theirs by simply using their fame. I feel in some way it’s unfair to real wine producers trying to make a living out of simply making wine, but also to consumers as the quality is often nothing special.”

We see who Meghan is taking on with this launch …

Kylie Minogue 

Kylie has had us all spinning around with her portfolio of rosés, from an entry level version to Prosecco Rosé and 0% Alcohol Sparkling Rosé to the more spendy Vin de Provence. Since launching in 2020, Kylie has sold over 17m bottles globally, which is the sort of news that may have spurred on Meghan. As for the Vin de Provence Rosé, it’s a pale peach and lychee colour with a blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah grapes. Tasting notes reveal it has “juicy notes of watermelon, cherry blossom and grapefruit” – a rosé with longevity, much like Kylie.

Graham Norton

Graham Norton’s growing wine and spirit collection is an ongoing collaboration with Invivo Wines. The range includes Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Prosecco and his most recent launch – GN’s Own West Cork Marmalade GiN. His rosé draws inspiration from Europe, as charming as the personality behind it. Made from Pinot Noir grapes with notes of raspberry and strawberry, personally, I don’t think it’s as quaffable as his Sauvignon Blanc.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker’s Rosé is another collaboration with Invivo, a stylish dry rosé from Provence. Tick, tick! SJP is involved in the blending of a new vintage every year and works closely with founders Tim and Rob on this initiative which has been fruitful for them all. Fresh and vibrant, it makes a reasonably priced gift too.

Cameron Diaz

Meghan’s neighbour Cameron Diaz launched Avaline in 2020 with her friend, Who What Wear founder Katherine Power. Their bestseller is the rosé: light, fresh and easy on the palate, what sets this apart is that it’s made with organic grapes (a blend of Consult, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Caladoc grapes) and is vegan-friendly, low on sugar and free of unwanted additives.

Amy Huberman

Actor, author and scriptwriter Amy Huberman launched Ah Wines earlier this year, a collaboration with her friends Shane Davey, Hugh Murray and Brian Fagan. They agreed; “All you want is a good bottle of wine at a good price that you know you will enjoy. It’s that simple.” She launched with two offerings – Ah Sauvignon Blanc and Ah Cava Brut Rosé – at Tesco. The rosé cava is as sharp and bright as its creator. Each bottle features a label where you can add a personal message or memory from the evening. A touch of thoughtfulness in every sip.

The Delevingne Sisters

Posh sisters Cara, Poppy and Chloe Delevingne are the physical incarnation of the “good life” … so it comes as no surprise that they launched a wine together. Della Vite started with Prosecco and also includes a rosé, which is extremely photogenic. It’s pale coral pink in colour with a creamy texture. The trio suggest serving it with “fresh ceviche, baked cavil nero or nduja bruschetta. It’s also delicious paired with mango sorbet or rhubarb pannacotta.”

Brangelina

When Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie bought Château Miraval in Provence, they partnered with the renowned Perrin family to produce their wine. Its Miraval Rosé is considered one of the best in the world and is worth the hype, the embodiment of French savoir-faire. Best served on its own or with seafood, it’s worth the price tag. Studio by Miraval is a little sister to the flagship Miraval Rosé which I tried recently. It’s perfumed and balanced. The brand also produces a rosé Champagne called Fleur de Miraval, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. 

Verdict: If Meghan is to emulate any of these celebrity wine makers, she should follow in Brad and Angelina’s footsteps (minus the acrimonious divorce!) Unfortunately, she’s already been criticised as the launch date falls on what would have been her late mother-in-law’s 64th birthday. 

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