I don’t know what it’s been like where you live, but where I am in the Pacific Northwest, summer is just now arriving. Those warm temperatures represent the perfect time to break out as much rosé as you can get your hands on, and drink it unapologetically. Drink it at weddings, on porches, with food, without, in a van (parked), with a tan. Go full Dr. Seuss, that’s what’s so great about rosé, you can drink it anytime, anywhere, even not in the summer. Seriously. I hold at least one or two of my favorite pink wines back each year to pair with Thanksgiving Turkey. So buy in bulk.

2015 Rosa dei Masi delle Venezie $14

The identity of the wines made by Masi revolves around their classic Amarone wines, which are achieved via the Appassimento technique. Ripe grapes are dried before crushing resulting in much more concentrated and intense wines. That you would do this with a rosé is certainly counterintuitive, but the folks at Masi have pulled it off wonderfully. Rosé is known for its freshness and this wine from Masi delivers while staying true to the estate’s style. The Refosco grape is used in this bottling, the color is a pretty pale pink, and the wine is wonderful. Aromas of berry and spice, and a soft, layered palate yet delivering plenty of crispness and acidity. Outstanding wine. 

2015 Feudi di San Gregorio Ros’ Aura $14

Feudi di San Gregorio is pioneering a new approach to wine-making in Campania, using cutting edge technology with a commitment to indigenous varieties they’re making some of the region’s best wines. This rosé is made from the region’s very tannic red Aglianico grape and the use of stainless steel fermentation results in a pink wine with a lot of berry aromas, a fresh crisp acidity and a bit of structure. The wine is a bit more deeply hued, but still offers loads of bright fruit throughout.

Tenuta dell’ Ammiraglia Alìe Rosé $19

Produced in the heart of the coastal Maremma region of Tuscany, Alìe Rosé is a blend of Syrah (98%) and Vermentino (2%), the wine is an ultra pale pink in color and really emphasizes elegance.  Aromas of apple blossom and chalk along with notes of lime and a crisp, lean palate with flavors of cut strawberry and early season apricot. 

Pairing Picks: Pair any of these with warm weather and friends, but if you are looking for a food pairing: shrimp, tuna steak or high end burgers on the grill. Italian rosé also pairs well with gazpacho, tomato salad and some pasta appetizers.