The Fronton appellation, just southwest of Bordeaux, produces wines of the little know Négrette grape. This late developing grape is comparable to Pinot Noir or Mourvedre in tannin and acidity, forms the backbone of this easy drinking rosé. A blend of 70% Negrette is balanced by 20% Gamay and 10% Syrah. Red berry and dark cherry notes are lifted by citrus and mineral flavors on the lingering finish. A well-rounded warm weather sipper with a wallet friendly price tag!

We normally advocate drinking rosés as young as possible, but this is no ordinary dry rosé, as evidenced by the 2000 vintage date. Released only when the winemaker feels it’s ready to drink, the extended aging results in a nose of orange blossoms, honey and dried fruits, with a sherried characteristic on the palate that is accompanied by orange marmalade, tangerine and toasted almonds. Estate blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Viura.

Pierre-Marie Chermette is far and away one of our favorite producers in Beaujolais, and his ‘Les Griottes’ Gamay rosé is further evidence of why. The nose offers up white peach and berry aromas, while the palate is beautifully dry, with a succulent mouth feel and refreshing acidity. Medium-bodied, juicy and thirst-quenching, this is an all-purpose summer sipper. Enjoy it with a pulled pork sandwich and coleslaw.

This blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette and Bourboulenc is the perfect expression of Tavel, the only French AOC that produces only Rosé. Aromatic red fruits jump from the glass and are kissed by hints of minerality and melon. The wine's elegance and richness is enhanced by a round, white peppery palate, firm acid and a harmonious finish. Great with charcuterie, mild cheeses, or baked fish.

Bandol has become the global benchmark for rosé wines, and with many prices about $35, this sustainably produced rosé has become a real value! Domaine de la Bastide Blanche's Bandol rosé is a blend of Mourvedre, Cinsault and Grenache made in a full-bodied style with a complex core, energetic red fruit, and hints of minerality and herbaceous notes. It compares favorably to the benchmark roses of the region, Tempier and Domaine Ott. Drink it on its own or with classic Mediterranean cuisine, such as salad Niçoise.

Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2010, Stellenbosch, South Africa ($11.99, less 25% by the case!)

A lively and refreshing rosé made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. It offers alluring aromas of rose petals and red cherry and strawberry fruits. Fresh crisp flavors of wild strawberry, cherry, and tangy pomegranate follow, accented with a delicate spice. Zippy yet substantial, this rosé is a great match for everything from crab cakes to roasted poultry with an herb thyme sauce.

Always crafted in a hearty style by rosé standard, Montes' 'Cherub' is made from 100% Syrah and displays fresh cherry and strawberry fruit. The wine has clean flavors and crisp acidity, with no oak influence. The wine is equally at home paired with an herb-crusted pork tenderloin or a simple barbecue pork sandwich.

Michlits has a way of producing a juicy, fresh and fruity expression of Pinot Noir. Mouthfilling Cremant-like bubbles are lively yet soft, allowing the delicate red berry and cherry flavors to shine through to the clean and lively finish. Fruit-driven but not overly sweet, this is perfect on its own or a delicious complement to light hors d’oeuvre on Sunday brunch.

Hillinger ‘Secco’; Burgenland, Austria ($16.99)

100% Pinot Noir crafted into a sparkling wine made in the Prosecco style, with delicate aromas of fresh strawberries and red berries which follow through on the palate. The flavors are beautifully balanced with a vibrant and refreshingly finish. Make any day a celebration!

This is about as far removed as you can get from the Lambrusco on your grocery store shelves. This deeply colored, dry, sparkling rosé has cherry and strawberry aromas, a creamy texture and moderate alcohol, making it a perfect picnic wine, and a natural pair with a platter of Parmigiano Reggiano, thinly sliced Prosciutto and crusty bread with olive oil.

Nicolas Maillart Brut Rosé, Champagne, France ($59.99)

Bright, orange-tinged pink. Powerful, musky redcurrant and cherry on the nose, with brighter blood orange and pungent anise coming up with air. Lively, focused, sneakily powerful flavors of redcurrant and raspberry are underscored by smoky minerals. Finishes with very good clarity, minerality and spicy cut.

Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé, Reims, Champagne, France ($68.99 net)

"The NV Brut Rose Premier Cru is intriguing in the way it floats on the palate in an ethereal expression of freshly cut flowers and berries. This is an understated, cooly elegant wine with great balance and class. Clean, chalky notes mark the finish." Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate #192

The Champagne house of Dumont is in Champignol-lez-Mondeville, a village in the southern Champagne region of the Aube. The Dumonts have owned vineyards in this area for over two hundred years and today three Dumont brothers work together to produce Champagne exclusively from their own 54 acres. This decadent rosé is fresh and fruity with elegant flavors of cranberry and ripe red raspberries.

Bugey, one of the most obscure wine regions in France, uses a technique appropriately named “methode ancestrale.” Similar to the champagne method, this produces fruit-driven grapey wines with alcohol hovering around 8%, and with a fair amount of residual sugar. This berry-scented bubbly is very refreshing, and is great as an aperitif!

NV Francois Montand Brut Rosé (France. $15.99)

Light and refreshing with aromas and flavors of fresh strawberries and cherries with a dry and lively finish. Its supple effervescence delicately plays on your palate making this delicious sparkler easy to enjoy. Classy enough for a special occasion but inexpensive enough to enjoy with chips and salsa, a stunningly great match.

NV Louis Perdrier Brut Rosé (France. $9.99)

This medium-bodied bargain sparkler features refreshingly delicate scents and flavors of red fruits that leads to a nice, dry finish with a fine effervescence.  Made from Pinot Noir blended with a cluster of other varietals it's an altogether amazing value to pair with hors d'oeuvres, smoked salmon, on its own or your next get together.

Avinyo Reserva Cava Rosat (Penedès, Spain. $26.99)

"Powerful raspberry and cherry aromas are deepened by musky spices and an exotic tobacco quality. Chewy red and dark berry flavors are firmed by bitter cherry akin and pick up licorice and blood orange character with air. More a light red wine than a pink Cava, offering serious depth and finishing cling. I'd serve this singular wine with spicy chorizo and salty sheep's milk and blue cheeses."   Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

This nearly garnet Rosé has a lovely, bright floral bouquet with hints of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. On the palate, it is rich and fruity in a dry, Brut style. The flavor of berries continues on the palate throughout the glass. This sparkler is lots of fun and would be a great match with smoked salmon or heartier hors d’oeuvres.