I feel like I’m always searching for those elusive wines that are under $20 but decent to drink. I mean, aren’t we all? I’m sure like me you’d love to have an endless wine budget (perhaps one that can afford some of these wines…maybe one day). But the reality is that most of us don’t want to spend too much on wine. We want a wine that is a decent price, and not awful to drink. Not something you’ll sit there analysing the tasting notes of, but something that’s pleasant to drink.

I am really bad at going into a bottle shop and being driven by price. I’m very unlikely to choose a bottle under $20 unless I know it’s decent. There are a couple of exceptions. Tempranillo’s and other Spanish wines tend to be a cheaper price point, but as a general rule I will normally go for something a little more expensive. But I’ve realised my pattern, and I’ve also realised it on the blog. So I have decided I need to be trying more wines that are a cheaper price point to find the decent ones for you. After all, I don’t want the Cheeky Vino to be all about fancy wines! Where’s the fun in that? I want to get down and dirty with those $10 bottles so you’ll know which ones you can nab at a steal!

Easy drinking Rosé with a cute label

Now I wouldn’t call this wine down and dirty, nor is it $10, but it is a wine under $20 that is decent. I tried it over Christmas when my dad brought it out with lunch, and I honestly thought it was more expensive because of the label. It’s the oldest trick in the book, and it certainly worked on me! As you’ll know I am a sucker for a label, and this wine has such a cute one that it becomes a conversation starter.

When I decided to write a post on the 2016 Gillie and Marc Rosé, I called my dad to ask him why he’d bought it. I figured he must have known the winery, as he often buys from the wineries direct. He seemed a little taken aback that I would review this wine because he got it for so cheap from a bulk wine website. But the reason he bought the wine was one that I think will resonate with most people: because he knew we’d be drinking a lot of Rosé with lunch over the holidays, and he wanted a wine that was a good price that was fine to drink and looked interesting. Isn’t that what we are all looking for in life? Just me?

Why I loved it

I’m telling you right now if you are a wine critic, this wine isn’t going to knock your socks off. It is doubtful it will reach James Halliday’s personal cellar. You might be thinking, why is she saying this horrible stuff about this wine and still reviewing it? Well, I don’t think it is an insult. Each wine has a place, and someone to drink it, and not every wine needs to be something that gets 98 points. Some wines are just good drinking wines, and sometimes that’s all you need.

What I love about this wine is that it’s decent drinking wine for right now, and you don’t have to think twice about opening a bottle. Why? Well, you can pick it up for $15 a bottle. And what makes it even better is that the label gives it something different. It doesn’t look like a $15 bottle of wine because Gillie and Marc are artists who have put their art on the labels. So if you get a 12 pack you’ll end up with different pictures on the front. I love it when there is something different about the wine, something unique. It gives the wine a talking point, and for such a good price, you have to be happy with that!

So, is this wine produced in the Yarra Valley? No. Is it salmon in colour like a true Provence Rosé? No. Is it from a winery you’ve heard of? Unlikely. But it is a decent wine for a great price! It is also perfect for summer with a berry front and subtle finish. If you love dry Rosé, you may find it on the sweet side, but it’s still perfectly refreshing with a hint of acidity. And for $15, you won’t be complaining!

What to pair it with

The sweetness in the wine means that this Rosé goes well with food. A light lunch is a perfect partner to this easy drinking wine. We had it with some salad, chicken, dips and bread. It would also go well with a light, fresh summer salad.

This Rosé will be best paired with the perfect holiday lunch. Something pieced together, unassuming and simple. Perfect for a lazy afternoon where you go from the dining table to a couch in the afternoon sun to sip on some more Rosé.

The final word

The 2016 Gillie and Marc Rosé is something that is perfect drinking wine. It can be hard to find this in Rosé without picking something that tastes like lolly water, so I can understand the hesitation. It’s the main reason I usually opt for a $30 bottle of French Rosé when I’m buying it.

However, if you’re after a decent bottle of Rosé for a good price, and like something a little different, this wine is your match. You won’t feel the least bit guilty about cracking it open, and paired with a nice lazy Summer afternoon it doesn’t get much better!