If anyone still thinks rosé is only for the girls, think again. Real men not only drink pink, they’re getting into bed with it (loosely speaking). The new recreation of retiring sports stars — especially those with French blood — is to produce their own rosé.

David Ginola, the former Spurs and Newcastle United footballer, has launched Coste Brulade, a rosé from his native Provence. It’s not yet on the shelves in the UK, but, unless it’s a silly price (curiously, nobody would even give me a guide price), a supermarket seems sure to snap it up. The 2007, which won a silver medal in this year’s International Wine Challenge, is the prettiest of pale pinks, with lovely, fresh, strawberry-scented fruit.

Another example is French Flair, a rosé from Fronton, north of Toulouse, that bears the signature and picture of the recently retired French rugby international Thomas Castaignède. So far, it only seems to be on sale in France, but with Castaignède a familiar face on British television, it may be just a matter of time before it comes here.

While we’re waiting, the drinks below should satisfy any red-blooded male still wary of being seen drinking pink.

Cellar Notes

Stinger Organic Ale, £1.89-£1.99, 500ml

Developed with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and brewed with organic nettles. Fresh, soft, delicious (selected Budgens, Threshers, badgerdirect.com).

2007 Monty’s French Red, £7.99

Meaty, herby red, by wine writer turned vigneron and TV star Monty Waldin (Adnams, 01502 727222).

2005 Steak House Cabernet Sauvignon, £6.49

Elegant, savoury, blueberry-flavoured red (Co-op; usually £7.99).

Wine Bluff

“Seventy per cent of Decanter readers consider rosé to be a serious wine”

Anorak Fact

The readership of Decanter magazine is overwhelmingly male

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