Think pink – Grape Crush

Summer is over, school is in full swing and the heat … well, the heat lives on. But stubborn hot weather has its upside: it pairs well with with drinking rosé, the quintessential outdoor wine. Rosé pairs well with a range of foods including seafood, goat cheeses, salads, grilled meats and sushi. Plus the most traditional application of rosé is to drink it over a picnic or an al fresco table. Our best expression of outdoor dining kicks off feverishly this month with football tailgating, a terrific opportunity to break out the pink. These bottles showcase the range of grapes, taste, color and price you can find in rosé. But sample away, and keep experimenting. The field presents vast choices.

Domaine de Triennes Rosé 2008 – $16

Provence, France

Primarily produced from Cinsault grapes, this award-winner uses free-run juice, meaning juice extracted not from external pressure but from the weight of grapes themselves. Minimal skin contact results in the gorgeous pale pink color. A floral nose is followed by berry and tropical fruit. Try it with ribs.

Marqués de Caceres Rosé 2008 – $8?Rioja, Spain

A great value, this darker pink rosé by Spanish winemaker Caceres features a floral nose and berry fruit throughout. Comprising primarily Tempranillo grapes along with some Garnacha, this beauty pairs well with grilled meats, Mediterranean fare and even jambalaya.