Now that it is summer (at least according to the calendar and not Portland weather) I find myself seeking out lighter things to drink. Something chilled and refreshing usually hits the spot on a warm evening. Something chilled is the idea but not necessarily a white wine.  I am more inclined to drink a rosé.

(Or as I once referred to them to a non-wine drinking friend “a light red wine, the light beer version of wine.” Heresy, I know.)

I am a big fan of rosé, the drier the better. To me a really good rosé will taste like summer in a glass: refreshing, dry but with a nice fruit element; light but with a good body (nice start and finish), chilled but not too cold as to miss all the elements, something that whenever I drink it I associate it with enjoying a nice warm evening on my patio.

It is our belief here at winerabble that there are no right or wrong palates. What you like is your decision and no one should tell you that you are wrong for liking the wines you prefer. But if I may I must offer one bit of advice it is this: when seeking out a nice summer wine, look for a Rosé, not a blush. Blushes tend to be sweet and made from the least desirable fruit.

A good rosé will tell you what the grape it is made from. For example if you are partial to Pinot noir, then look for a Pinot rosé. If Syrah is your thing, then look for a rosé made from Syrah grapes. There are plenty to be found in any grocery store or wine shop.

In my opinion rosé can be enjoyed all year round in any type of weather but a nice warm day is made for rosé.